President Donald Trump has directed an investigation into the national security impacts of imports of processed critical minerals and derivative products, including rare earths. This comes amid China’s recent export restrictions on rare earths, suggesting that President Trump may impose tariffs on critical minerals as well.
On the 15th (local time), the White House announced that President Trump signed an executive order to ensure national security and economic resilience through an investigation under Section 232 of the Trade Expansion Act regarding ‘processed critical minerals and derivative products.’
The executive order directs Secretary of Commerce Howard Lutnick to investigate the impact of imports of processed critical minerals, rare earths, and derivative products on security under Section 232 of the Trade Expansion Act.
Accordingly, Minister Lutnick must submit an interim report within 90 days, a final report within 180 days, and recommendations to President Trump.
Section 232 of the Trade Expansion Act grants the President of the United States the authority to take emergency measures if imported products from foreign countries pose a threat to national security.
Based on this, President Trump has already imposed a 25% tariff on steel and automobiles. The day before, on the 14th, he ordered an investigation into the security impacts of imports of semiconductors and pharmaceuticals.
Earlier, China ordered export restrictions on six types of refined rare earths and rare earth magnets on the 4th.