Trump delays tariffs on critical minerals.. What does this mean for the markets?

U.S. President Donald Trump has postponed the implementation of new tariffs on critical mineral imports after a several-month review to assess their impact on national security. Instead of immediate tariffs, the administration will seek to negotiate with other countries to ensure supply stability, while keeping the option to impose future restrictions if necessary agreements are not reached.

The announcement clarified a study on using minimum price limits on imports to prevent artificially low-priced minerals from entering the market, as a tool to support supply chains linked to allied countries, rather than to increase traditional tariffs. This step resembles anti-dumping mechanisms but also aims to promote sustainable and reliable production.

Currently, the absence of tariffs eases the immediate market shock, but merely proposing price caps puts low-cost suppliers under pressure, while other companies may benefit from more stable prices in the future.

The U.S. move comes in the context of reducing dependence on China, which controls over 80% of global rare earth processing, while maintaining existing trade tensions. The decision also includes essential minerals for the energy sector, such as uranium, with plans to expand nuclear energy to meet the increasing demand for electricity, including AI needs.
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