President Donald Trump has signed an executive order initiating an investigation into the United States’ reliance on imported processed critical minerals and their derivatives, citing concerns over economic and national security.
The directive instructs Secretary of Commerce Howard W. Lutnick to lead a Section 232 investigation under the Trade Expansion Act of 1962. The probe will examine whether current levels of imports compromise U.S. security and whether new trade measures, including tariffs, may be warranted.
The executive order points to actions by foreign producers that it says have distorted the market. “Foreign producers have engaged in price manipulation, overcapacity, and arbitrary export restrictions, using their supply chain dominance as a tool for geopolitical and economic leverage over the United States,” the order states.
As an example, the document highlights China’s export restrictions on key high-tech materials such as gallium, germanium, and antimony—elements with potential military applications. It also notes the recent suspension of exports of six heavy rare earth metals and rare earth magnets, which the order claims are “central to automakers, aerospace manufacturers, semiconductor companies and military contractors around the world.”
The investigation is expected to assess vulnerabilities in critical mineral supply chains, evaluate the economic impact of foreign market behavior, and explore trade remedies that could support domestic production and supply resilience.
A final report will outline findings and provide recommendations aimed at reducing dependence on foreign suppliers and bolstering the U.S. industrial base.
Should the Secretary determine that critical mineral imports pose a national security risk, and the President opts to impose tariffs, those levies would replace current reciprocal tariffs established under a separate order issued on April 2.
