US President Donald Trump signed an executive order on Monday directing military contractors to reduce reliance on China-linked critical minerals starting in January 2027. The order focuses on securing supply chains for defence-related materials without naming China directly.
US President Donald Trump signed the executive order titled “Securing America’s Defence Supply Chains and Ensuring Domestic Acquisition of Critical Minerals”. It requires contractors to submit formal mitigation plans that identify non-compliant sources and outline steps to remove Beijing-linked materials from their chains.
The order states that the United States must secure its supply chains against physical, cyber, and economic subversion in an era of renewed great power competition. It notes the US Department of Defence depends on critical minerals including rare earths for weapon systems.
China accounts for roughly two-thirds of global rare earth mining and about 90 per cent of refining. The directive takes effect for contractors beginning in January 2027.
