Washington/Tokyo
The United States and Japan have established a comprehensive policy framework to secure the global supply of critical minerals and rare earths, vital materials used in electric vehicles, semiconductors, and defense technologies.
Signed in Tokyo by U.S. President Donald J. Trump and Japanese Prime Minister Takaichi Sanae, the United States–Japan Framework for Securing the Supply of Critical Minerals and Rare Earths seeks to reduce dependency on unreliable sources by strengthening mining, processing, and recycling capacities in both countries.
Under the framework, both nations agreed to mobilize public and private investment—including grants, loans, and guarantees—to expand mining and processing operations. Within six months, Washington and Tokyo plan to finance selected projects that will deliver end products to U.S., Japanese, and partner-country buyers.
A new U.S.–Japan Critical Minerals Supply Security Rapid Response Group will also be created, co-led by the U.S. Secretary of Energy and Japan’s Minister of Economy, Trade, and Industry. The task force will identify vulnerable minerals and coordinate emergency actions to secure supplies.
The agreement further calls for the two countries to accelerate permitting for mining projects, develop transparent pricing systems, and combat non-market and unfair trade practices. Both sides will also invest in recycling technologies to recover minerals from industrial scrap, aiming to diversify sources and reduce environmental impacts.
Within 180 days, the two governments will host a Mining, Minerals and Metals Investment Ministerial to engage industry leaders and set joint investment priorities.
While the framework outlines a strong policy commitment, it does not create legally binding obligations and can be terminated by either country with 30 days’ written notice.
The new initiative underscores the growing importance of resource security in global technology supply chains, as the U.S. and Japan move to counter market dominance by other major mineral producers.
