U.S. Reveals Global Critical Minerals Partnerships
Trade Representative Jamieson Greer unveiled a 60-day action plan with Mexico as Washington prepares for a July 1 review of the US-Mexico-Canada trade agreement (USMCA). The Trump Administration is positioning critical minerals cooperation as a cornerstone of the trilateral pact's modernization.
The bilateral framework aims to "address global market distortions that have left North American critical minerals supply chains vulnerable to disruptions," Greer stated.
Mexico and the United States will pursue synchronized mining, processing, and trade regulations alongside a joint critical minerals reserve. The partnership encompasses investment coordination, geological survey mapping, and rapid-response protocols for supply disruptions, according to USTR officials.
While both nations plan to initially target select critical minerals, specific commodities and implementation details remain under negotiation during the 60-day window.
Transatlantic and Pacific Partnerships
Greer separately disclosed parallel strategic arrangements with Japan and the EU that may incorporate price floor guarantees to stabilize markets.
Washington and Brussels committed to finalizing a memorandum of understanding on critical mineral supply chain security within 30 days.
"Today's announcement is an important signal that the world's largest market-oriented economies are committed to developing a new paradigm for preferential trade in critical minerals," Greer declared.
Countering Beijing's Dominance
The Trump administration has elevated critical minerals to the center of its industrial and trade strategy as part of a broader campaign to diminish dependence on China. Beijing controls the majority of global critical mineral processing and previously threatened rare earth export restrictions during trade tensions with Washington last year. These materials are vital for consumer electronics, advanced weaponry, and clean energy systems.
On Monday, the administration established a national critical minerals stockpile and acquired equity positions in leading domestic producers including MP Materials, USA Rare Earth, Canada's Lithium Americas, and Trilogy Metals.
Last July, the Defense Department and MP Materials finalized an agreement featuring an equity stake, an offtake agreement and a price floor. Subject to specific requirements, the Commerce Department this week announced intentions to offer USA Rare Earth finance in exchange for an equity holding.
The coordinated international approach marks Washington's most ambitious effort to reshape critical minerals markets and reduce strategic reliance on Chinese supply chains.
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