Trump Initiates Investigation into Tariffs on Key Mineral Imports

According to BlockBeats, U.S. President Donald Trump has launched an investigation into the necessity of imposing tariffs on key mineral imports, marking the latest expansion in the ongoing trade war affecting crucial sectors of the global economy. A White House briefing revealed that Trump signed an order directing the Commerce Secretary to initiate a Section 232 investigation under the 1962 Trade Expansion Act. This investigation aims to assess the impact of importing these materials on U.S. security and resilience. Should the Commerce Secretary determine that the importation of critical minerals poses a threat to national security, the President may decide to impose tariffs, replacing the reciprocal tariffs announced earlier this month on U.S. trade partners. The order targets essential minerals, including rare earth elements, which are considered foundational to the U.S. defense industrial base. These minerals are vital for manufacturing jet engines, missile guidance systems, advanced computers, and radar, optical, and communication equipment. The order also covers uranium and processed critical minerals and derivatives. Legally, the Commerce Secretary is required to submit the investigation results within 270 days. The White House has stated that despite possessing some significant mineral resources, the U.S. remains heavily reliant on imports, posing economic and security risks. The government notes that the U.S. depends on imports for at least 15 types of critical minerals. These minerals are used in defense, automotive, space travel, batteries, and other equipment, with much of the supply sourced from other countries.