Trump has put about $3 billion behind new mining projects and critical-minerals deals, imposed a 15% tariff on imported polysilicon goods, and lined up $2 billion for battery and materials firms, all aimed at loosening China's grip on strategic materials.
The critical minerals behind batteries, solar panels and microchips are mined and processed largely in China. Washington wants a supply chain that does not run through it, and the Trump administration is pursuing that with tariffs, federal money and agreements with mining companies.
Trump announced about $3 billion in mining projects and critical-minerals agreements with several mining companies at a roundtable on American mining, part of a push to curb China's dominance over strategic materials. He also ordered a new 15% tariff on imported products made of polysilicon, used in solar panels and microchips, and his administration is to award $2 billion to battery and materials companies.