Trump launched an investigation into the need to impose tariffs on key minerals

Trump has launched an investigation into the need to impose tariffs on key minerals, the latest move in a widening trade war targeting key sectors of the global economy.
The order, signed by Trump on Tuesday, requires the commerce secretary to initiate a Section 232 investigation under the Trade Expansion Act of 1962 to "assess the impact of imports of these materials on the security and resilience of the United States," according to a White House fact sheet. If the commerce secretary finds that imports of critical minerals threaten "national security and the president decides to impose tariffs," the levies would replace the so-called reciprocal tariffs Trump announced earlier this month on U.S. trading partners.
The order covers critical minerals, including rare earth elements, which are considered a "cornerstone of the US defence industrial base" and are essential for making jet engines, missile guidance systems, advanced computers and radar, optical and communications equipment. It also covers uranium and processed critical minerals and derivatives. Under the law, the commerce secretary has 270 days to submit findings.
The White House said that while the US had some important minerals, it was still importing large quantities, posing economic and security risks. The US government said it was dependent on imports for at least 15 critical minerals, which are used in defence, cars, space travel, batteries and other equipment but depend on other countries for most of its supplies.