Order to investigate tariffs on imports of all critical minerals into the US

World World: US President Donald Trump has ordered an investigation into possible new tariffs on imports of all critical minerals. The decision could increase tensions with trading partners and is considered an attempt to reduce dependence on China. The US currently relies on China and other countries in the processing of several critical minerals, including cobalt, nickel, uranium and 17 rare earths.

Trump has directed Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick to initiate a national security review under Section 232 of the “Trade Expansion Act of 1962”. This is the same law that Trump previously used to impose tariffs on steel and aluminum. The report will be ready within 180 days, which may also contain tariff recommendations. The US has limited production of lithium, nickel and cobalt and is dependent on foreign processing for many minerals.