US President Donald Trump has ordered restrictions on the export of critical minerals scrap, according to White House officials.
Trump signed a decision transferring authority under the Defense Production Act to the US Department of Commerce. This move empowers the department to impose export restrictions on recoverable critical minerals and materials.
The decision grants the US Commerce Secretary the specific authority to regulate the export of these minerals and materials.
The White House stated that recoverable critical minerals and materials are vital industrial resources for national defense. The administration highlighted their importance for military production, industrial applications, and national security.
Officials noted that US dependence on foreign sources for these critical materials poses a risk of serious and sustained disruption to the supply chain.