President Trump's recent tariffs, including a 25% levy on imported vehicles, have disrupted the US economy, triggering market turmoil, retaliatory actions and challenges for industries like EVs and battery raw materials. With rising inflation, reduced consumer confidence and a bleak growth outlook, economic pressure continues to mount.

A raft of commodities including steel, aluminium, and copper emerged from Wednesday April 2, which was dubbed ‘Liberation Day’ in the United States, with a reprieve from reciprocal tariffs

Critical minerals appear to be exempt from the 'reciprocal' tariffs introduced by Donald Trump on Wednesday April 2; US trade paralyzed by confusion, market participants reported.

The 2025 executive order on U.S. mineral production is a major step toward strengthening domestic supply chains and national security. By boosting domestic mineral production, it aims to reduce reliance on imports and ensure a secure future for critical industries. This order will shape the future of U.S. mining and its role in global markets.

The United States is taking steps to strengthen its critical mineral supply. This move focuses on boosting domestic production, improving supply chains, and addressing regulatory challenges. These efforts aim to enhance economic growth and reinforce national security.

The European Space Agency’s sustainability chief revealed that research into using lunar regolith for solar panel production was accelerating as germanium shortages threatened traditional space power systems.

Falling alumina prices, geopolitics and a volatile aluminium market will be the hot topics during the Fastmarkets’ annual Bauxite & Alumina Conference, taking place in Miami, Florida on April 2-4.

Read Fastmarkets' monthly battery raw materials market update for March 2025, focusing on raw materials including lithium, cobalt, nickel, graphite and more

The US-Ukraine mineral partnership deal has stalled due to security concerns, leaving future negotiations uncertain despite Ukraine's critical role in global mineral supplies. Meanwhile, President Trump has imposed tariffs on Canada, Mexico, and China and launched a copper import investigation to address national security risks and reduce reliance on foreign resources.

In the second of a two-part series, Fastmarkets digs into the impact of global conflict on critical material supply chains.