President Trump has issued a Presidential Proclamation implementing Section 232 measures to address national security risks from imports of processed critical minerals and their derivative products (PCMDPs). The proclamation directs the Department of Commerce and the United States Trade Representative (USTR) to negotiate agreements with trade partners to ensure adequate critical mineral supplies and reduce supply chain vulnerabilities. Unlike previous Section 232 actions, the proclamation does not immediately impose tariffs, though Trump reserves the right to impose tariffs if negotiations fail.

The proclamation follows a Section 232 investigation by the Commerce Department’s Bureau of Industry and Security (BIS), which found that U.S. reliance on foreign PCMDPs, price volatility, and weakened domestic production pose a national security threat. Products covered include processed critical minerals, ranging from rare earth elements to uranium, and derivative goods such as batteries, motors, wind turbines, and radar systems.

The administration has signed bilateral agreements with Argentina, Australia, Japan, Malaysia, Thailand, and Kazakhstan to enhance supply chain resilience and boost domestic and partner-country production. Negotiators are required to report progress within 180 days, by July 13, 2026, with potential future measures including tariffs or minimum import prices if agreements fall short.