Trump Launches Investigation on Tariffs for Critical Minerals, Impacting Rare Earth Elements and National Security

On April 16th, COINOTAG News reported that President Trump has launched an investigation into the potential imposition of tariffs on critical minerals, a strategic maneuver amid the ongoing trade war affecting essential global economic sectors. The directive, as outlined by the White House, mandates the Secretary of Commerce to commence a Section 232 inquiry under the 1962 Trade Expansion Act to evaluate the implications of mineral imports on U.S. national security and resilience.

If findings suggest that these imported minerals jeopardize national security, the President will have the authority to enact tariffs, effectively superseding recent reciprocal tariffs aimed at U.S. trading partners. The investigation encompasses essential minerals, particularly rare earth elements, which are critical to the U.S. defense sector and integral for producing advanced technologies, including jet engines, missile systems, and advanced computing devices.

The order also covers uranium and essential mineral derivatives. By legal requirement, the Secretary of Commerce must deliver the investigation findings within 270 days. The White House noted that although the U.S. possesses valuable mineral resources, it remains heavily reliant on imports, which presents significant economic and security challenges, particularly since it imports at least 15 critical minerals vital for defense, automotive, and technological innovations.