SECURING AMERICA’S SUPPLY CHAINS: President Donald J. Trump has signed a Presidential Determination under the Defense Production Act, granting authority to implement export restrictions on recoverable critical minerals and materials (CMMs).
- The Determination highlights the necessity of CMMs as vital industrial resources for national defense, particularly in military production, industrial applications, and national security.
- It points out the United States’ heavy reliance on importing certain CMMs from foreign sources, which poses a risk of significant and prolonged supply chain disruptions.
- This Determination empowers the Secretary of Commerce to enforce export restrictions on CMMs.
ENSURING OUR NATIONAL DEFENSE: President Trump is taking steps to ensure the United States possesses the industrial resources required for national defense and security.
- The U.S. has substantial CMMs in finished products, such as permanent magnets and lithium-ion batteries, but depends heavily on foreign imports of certain CMMs, which are susceptible to serious and long-term supply chain disruptions.
- CMMs can be reclaimed and recycled from industrial waste materials once products containing them reach the end of their life.
- CMMs are essential for maintaining and enhancing the function, security, and resilience of critical infrastructure sectors.
- They play a vital role in defense supply chains and are crucial components in advanced defense systems supporting technological superiority and operational readiness.
RESTORING AMERICAN INDUSTRY: Through his leadership, President Trump is strengthening America’s military and national security by securing dependable supplies of critical materials and ensuring robust supply chains.
- President Trump pledged to revitalize American industry and replenish the nation’s military equipment and supplies, focusing on restoring strength and readiness after years of neglect.
- In March 2025, he signed an Executive Order to boost American mineral production, streamline permitting processes, and enhance national security.
- In April 2025, he issued an Executive Order to modernize defense acquisitions and promote innovation within the defense industrial base.
- In January 2026, an Executive Order was signed to negotiate agreements with trading partners to address national security concerns related to imports of processed critical minerals and their derivative products (PCMDPs).
- In July 2026, another Executive Order aimed to secure America’s defense supply chains for advanced equipment, ensuring domestic availability of critical materials and components necessary for manufacturing.
