World · 5 February 2026
US leads global effort to break Chinese mineral dominance
.jpg/960px-Vice_President_Vance_speaks_to_Turning_Point_students_to_celebrate_Trump's_tax_cuts_for_working_families_(G1KBksfWQAA7YbI).jpg)
Washington has launched a fresh trade initiative designed to curb dependence on China for key raw materials. Speaking to representatives from the UK, EU and partner nations at the first Critical Minerals Ministerial, Vice President JD Vance outlined plans involving targeted tariffs, while another official detailed plans for increased investment to strengthen alternative supply routes. The move builds on President Trump’s pledge to establish a $12bn strategic reserve, as the US aims to challenge Beijing’s dominance over resources crucial to defence and advanced technology production.
Reported by BBC · How we write briefs