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.

Securing essential resources: Tackling supply chain challenges with strategic solutions and global alliances

More than one week after US President Donald Trump announced 25% tariffs on all steel and aluminium imports, the aluminium markets in Mexico, Argentina and Brazil are still worried about the consequences and ongoing uncertainty around the potential implications for global trade flows, sources told Fastmarkets.

The US has the opportunity to be self-reliant on manganese for use in batteries once South32’s Hermosa project is up and running, the president of Hermosa told Fastmarkets.

European silicon giant downplays trade disruption fears amid market volatility, revealing improved Q4 earnings despite falling revenues and alumnium sector weakness.

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

China has introduced new export controls on five critical metals and related technologies, effective from February 4.

Critical minerals sector braces for policy upheaval under Trump while experts predict market fundamentals and Republican state interests will preserve industry momentum

Aluminium demand in India is set to continue its sharp growth over the next three years, fueled by an expanding automotive sector in the South Asian country, Fastmarkets heard at the Material Recycling Association of India (MRAI) international conference held in Jaipur on January 28-30.