Adjusting Imports of Processed Critical Minerals and Their Derivative Products into the United States
1/14/2026
Action Summary
- National Security Concern: Report finds that imported processed critical minerals and derivative products (PCMDPs) threaten U.S. national security due to heavy reliance on foreign sources.
- Critical Role of PCMDPs: PCMDPs are essential to defense, advanced weapons systems, critical infrastructure sectors (e.g., energy, communications, chemical), and everyday consumer goods.
- Defense Industrial Base: PCMDPs underpin technological superiority and operational readiness of the military, being vital for fighter aircraft, munitions, naval ships, and other defense capabilities.
- Economic and Supply Chain Vulnerabilities: The U.S. is highly import-reliant for many critical minerals, faces price volatility, and suffers from declining domestic processing and production capacities, increasing risks of supply chain disruptions.
- Recommendations for Action: The Secretary of Commerce recommends negotiating agreements with foreign partners, potentially imposing trade restrictions such as tariffs or price floors if negotiations fail.
- Presidential Directives:
- Direct the Secretary of Commerce, U.S. Trade Representative, and Secretary of Homeland Security to act jointly to secure a reliable supply chain for PCMDPs.
- Ensure that all executive departments implement measures (including regulatory actions) to adjust PCMDP imports.
- Require periodic updates to the President within 180 days on negotiation progress.
- Legal and Procedural Authority: The action is taken under section 232 of the Trade Expansion Act of 1962, granting the President authority to adjust imports that impair national security.
Risks & Considerations
- The Presidential Proclamation on adjusting imports of processed critical minerals and their derivative products emphasizes national security concerns. This focus may lead to stricter import regulations, impacting the availability and cost of critical minerals used in research and development at Vanderbilt University.
- Potential import restrictions or tariffs could increase the cost of acquiring essential materials for Vanderbilt’s scientific and engineering research, particularly those related to defense, aerospace, communications, and energy sectors.
- The emphasis on building a domestic supply chain for critical minerals might lead to increased federal funding opportunities for research in mineral processing and supply chain resilience, which could benefit relevant programs at Vanderbilt.
- Increased competition for domestic resources may lead to partnerships or collaborations with industries and government agencies to develop and strengthen critical mineral infrastructure.
Impacted Programs
- School of Engineering might face challenges in sourcing critical minerals for projects and research related to electronics and advanced technologies but could also benefit from increased funding and collaboration opportunities.
- Vanderbilt Institute of Nanoscale Science and Engineering may need to navigate potential disruptions in supply chains for materials essential to nanotechnology research.
- The Peabody College could explore policy research regarding the implications of import adjustments on educational and economic systems.
- Vanderbilt’s Office of Federal Relations may have to engage more actively with policymakers to advocate for the university’s interests in light of these changes.
Financial Impact
- Potential import restrictions or tariffs on critical minerals could lead to increased costs for research projects at Vanderbilt, requiring adjustments in budgets and funding strategies.
- The focus on domestic capacity building might open new funding streams and grant opportunities for Vanderbilt to participate in national initiatives centered around critical mineral supply chain resilience.
- The university might experience shifts in funding priorities, with greater emphasis on partnerships with industries and federal agencies involved in critical minerals and national security.
- Long-term changes in the availability and cost of critical minerals may influence Vanderbilt’s research capabilities and innovation potential in affected fields.
Relevance Score: 3 (The proclamation presents moderate risks involving compliance and potential adjustments to research and funding strategies.)
Key Actions
- Vanderbilt’s School of Engineering should explore research opportunities in developing advanced processing techniques for critical minerals. By positioning themselves at the forefront of innovation in this area, they could attract federal funding and partnerships with government agencies focused on reducing foreign dependency.
- The Office of Federal Relations should monitor developments in trade negotiations related to critical minerals. Engaging with policymakers could help Vanderbilt advocate for research funding and influence policy decisions that affect the academic sector’s role in national security.
- Vanderbilt’s Department of Earth and Environmental Sciences should consider collaborating with industry and federal agencies to enhance domestic mining and processing capabilities. These partnerships could strengthen academic programs and provide students with real-world experience in addressing national security challenges.
- The Owen Graduate School of Management should analyze the economic implications of potential import restrictions on critical minerals. This analysis could guide strategic investments and educational content relevant to the evolving economic landscape.
- Vanderbilt’s Tech Transfer Office should explore commercializing innovations related to critical mineral processing. This could create new revenue streams and establish Vanderbilt as a leader in technological advancements essential to national defense and infrastructure.
Opportunities
- The executive action presents an opportunity for Vanderbilt’s research centers to secure funding for studies on supply chain resilience and the development of alternative materials. This could enhance the university’s reputation in contributing to national security solutions.
- By engaging in public discourse and policy forums on critical mineral dependency, Vanderbilt University can position itself as a thought leader in sustainable resource management and national security, potentially influencing future policy and funding trends.
Relevance Score: 4 (The order indicates potential for major process changes and opportunities for Vanderbilt’s involvement in critical mineral research and policy advocacy.)
Timeline for Implementation
- The Secretary and the Trade Representative must provide an update on the negotiations within 180 days of January 14, 2026.
- Additionally, if an agreement is not reached within 180 days, the President may take alternative actions.
Relevance Score: 1
Impacted Government Organizations
- Department of Commerce: The Secretary of Commerce is central to the investigation and reporting on processed critical minerals, and is directed to take further action regarding negotiations and monitoring imports.
- United States Trade Representative (USTR): The USTR is explicitly mandated to jointly negotiate agreements with foreign trading partners to secure the supply chain and address national security concerns related to these imports.
- Department of Homeland Security (DHS): Authorized to take all appropriate actions, including issuing regulations and guidance, to implement and effectuate the provisions of the proclamation.
- All Executive Departments and Agencies: The proclamation directs all executive branch entities to cooperate and implement measures, thereby extending its reach across the entire federal government.
Relevance Score: 5 (The directive applies across the entire executive branch and affects a broad array of agencies, including explicit agencies and all other executive departments.)
Responsible Officials
- Secretary of Commerce – Tasked with continuing to monitor, review, and report on the import levels of processed critical minerals and their derivative products.
- United States Trade Representative – Charged, together with the Secretary of Commerce, to negotiate agreements with trading partners to secure and diversify the supply chain for critical minerals.
- Secretary of Homeland Security – Authorized to take all appropriate actions, including issuing regulations and reviewing implementation measures, to effectuate this proclamation.
- Other Senior Executive Branch Officials – Empowered by the Secretary of Commerce and the Trade Representative, as deemed appropriate, to support negotiating and implementation efforts.
Relevance Score: 5 (The directives impact Cabinet-level officials and other top executive leaders responsible for national security and trade negotiations.)