The United States hosted more than 55 countries at the first Critical Minerals Ministerial on Feb. 4, announcing the creation of a preferential trade zone meant to offer members predictable and stable conditions for reentering the industry.
During the opening speeches, much mention was made of the leverage Beijing wielded last year when it threatened to subject the world’s supply to Chinese regime approval on a case-by-case basis, but officials did not mention China by name.
Participants represented some two-thirds of the world’s GDP, according to Vice President JD Vance. Not all participants had joined as members. Interior Secretary Doug Burgum had said on Feb. 3 that 11 countries had signed on and 20 more expressed interest in joining. The State Department did not release a list of participants or members….
US Creates Critical Minerals Preferential Trade Zone
