Trump's Strategic Push for Minerals Independence: A Critical Mineral Bloc

The Trump administration aims to establish a trading bloc to secure critical minerals, countering China's market control. The initiative seeks to fortify mineral supply chains, ensuring American industries remain self-reliant and secure. A new stockpile strategy and collaborative efforts with international allies form the core of this strategy.

The Trump administration is spearheading a push to create a critical minerals trading bloc with its allies, employing tariffs to maintain price floors and safeguard against China's market saturation tactics.

Vice President JD Vance highlighted the vulnerability exposed by last year's trade war, emphasizing the necessity of forming a bloc to ensure American industries thrive without relying on Chinese mineral exports.

Efforts include a new USD 10 billion stockpile fund, supported by the US Export-Import Bank, to secure essential raw materials for manufacturers like Boeing and Western Digital, aiming for both defense and commercial industry resilience.

(With inputs from agencies.)