Washington has launched an audacious plan to neutralize China’s monopoly on critical minerals by assembling a 50-nation trading bloc. Detailed on February 4 at the Critical Minerals Ministerial, the strategy emphasizes coordinated production, refining, and pricing mechanisms to fortify supply chains against Beijing’s dominance.
Dominating 70% of rare earth output and 90% of processing, China escalated restrictions with phased export rules in 2025. The US response creates a trusted network where allies trade minerals frictionlessly at protected prices, preventing dumping that cripples competitors.
Prominent among supporters is India, represented by EAM S. Jaishankar. At the DC summit, he advocated for robust global partnerships to de-risk supplies, backing the Forge initiative. Jaishankar shared on X: ‘Spoke at Critical Minerals Ministerial in Washington DC today. Stressed reducing supply chain vulnerabilities via international cooperation amid concentration challenges.’
VP JD Vance drove home the stakes: ‘We need frameworks with tariffs and minimum prices to shield our producers and friends. Floor pricing on rare earths stops China from undercutting rivals. More predictable prices mean we can rebuild US capabilities, ensure flows to industry, and ramp up allied production—no more depending on others.’
Beyond immediate relief, this bloc fosters long-term resilience, promoting diversified sourcing and innovation. It’s a declaration of economic independence in the race for green and defense technologies.