Trump Administration Invests in U.S. Rare Earths, Launches TechMet Trading Arm to Enhance National Security and Reduce Dependence on China

The Trump administration is initiating investments in the U.S. rare earth minerals sector to reduce dependence on China, which currently dominates the global supply chain for these critical materials. This move aims to enhance national security by securing access to rare earth elements essential for modern technology and defense systems. Industry experts and policymakers emphasize that the U.S. possesses the necessary minerals, workforce, technology, and capital to rebuild its rare earth industry and break China's grip. The government-backed investment firm TechMet is launching a trading arm focused on critical minerals to support Western supply chains. The Pentagon's recent rare earth deal demonstrates that supply chain chokepoints can be addressed with appropriate strategies, and there is a call to extend such approaches across the entire materials supply chain. Congressional efforts are also underway to secure U.S. supply chains and ensure energy security, highlighting the strategic importance of critical minerals in daily technologies and national defense.