Trump is threatening more tariffs over access to critical minerals – will NZ be targeted?
Trump is threatening more tariffs over access to critical minerals – will NZ be targeted?
Publish Date: 2026-01-18 18:30:00
Source Domain: theconversation.com
- On January 14, Donald Trump issued a proclamation threatening additional tariffs if countries do not sign agreements for the supply of critical minerals and their derivatives within 180 days.
- The proclamation follows a 232 investigation that found U.S. over-reliance on foreign critical minerals for national and economic security is leaving it vulnerable to exploitation by foreign actors.
- Critical minerals are crucial for advanced weapons systems, AI, data centres, nuclear energy, and electric vehicles, with China dominating the supply chain for rare earth elements.
- Trump initiated this proclamation as part of his ongoing trade war with China, responding to China’s export controls and manipulating mineral markets.
- The U.S. administration has outlined a template for negotiations based on an undisclosed agreement with Australia, which includes price support mechanisms and curtailing Chinese investments in mining assets.
- The agreement with Australia involves up to $8.5 billion in financing for mining projects with joint US-Australian ownership, aiming to reduce dependence on Chinese imports.
- For New Zealand, the proclamation’s impact is unclear; however, they have previously shown interest in critical minerals through initiatives such as the Minerals Strategy and joining international minerals partnerships.
- There is a potential conflict for New Zealand as they value mining industry relationships while complying with Trump’s directives, highlighting the need for a discussion on its mineral export policies and implications.
