US imposes export curbs on critical mineral scrap

Market: Battery materials, Metals
31/07/26

US president Donald Trump has empowered his Commerce secretary to implement export restrictions on "recoverable critical minerals and materials" to bolster domestic supply for national defense interests.

Trump, invoking authority under Section 101 of the 1950 Defense Production Act, specifically referred to black mass, end-of-life permanent magnets made from rare earths and other electronic waste, such as lithium-ion batteries, in a memorandum and subsequent fact sheet released on Thursday.

But Trump left open the possibility that scrap exports of aluminum, titanium and other metals may face curbs based on how the White House defines "critical minerals". Copper scrap was excluded from the directive, as Commerce already recommended restrictions for high-purity grades under a prior proclamation in 2025.

Still, it remains unclear for which critical minerals Commerce will pursue export curbs or how the department would implement such restrictions, as no trade actions had been imposed as of press time.

The White House did not respond to a request for comment prior to publishing.

By Alex Nicoll

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US adds 29,000 jobs in Sept, revisions lower

02/10/26

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02/10/26

US adds 29,000 jobs in Sept, revisions lower

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Global iron ore prices to fall on ample supply: OCE

02/10/26

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02/10/26

Global iron ore prices to fall on ample supply: OCE

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Brazil 2026 steel imports to fall: Aco Brasil

01/10/26

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01/10/26

Brazil 2026 steel imports to fall: Aco Brasil

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01/10/26

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01/10/26

EGA agrees to export Al through UAE’s east coast

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