Member-only story
Trump’s strategy on critical metals: Tariffs, pressure tactics, and supply chain leverage
As speculation grows about a possible second Trump presidency, one key area where President Trump policies could have a major impact is critical metals, essential minerals like lithium, cobalt, and rare earths that power everything from electric vehicles to advanced defense systems. As Trump presidency starts unloading its bombshells, President Trump is already using trade tariffs, diplomatic pressure, and aggressive commercial negotiations to reshape the global supply chain in favor of U.S. interests.
Rather than strengthening existing strategic alliances such as the Minerals Security Partnership, Trump’s approach will likely focus on using tariffs, threats of trade restrictions, and economic pressure on emerging nations to force better deals for U.S. companies and supply chains. He has just done it this week with Mexico imposing a 25% blank tariff, bringing the Mexico President to an emergency call to re-negotiate this agreement, while also offering to deploy the Mexico military to prevent illegal migration to the US.
Tariffs as a negotiating weapon
Trump has historically used tariffs not just as economic tools, but as bargaining chips in broader geopolitical negotiations. In his first term, he imposed sweeping tariffs…
