Donald Trump opened on Tuesday a global commercial offensive in full commercial offensive an investigation into the effects of “national security” of the importation of critical minerals, as well as “derived products”, such as smartphones or electric vehicles, according to the White House. This survey is a necessary first step that could allow the US President to publish an imposing decree of customs tariffs in these products if it is shown that their import volume represents a risk to national security.
Imports led by this survey gather “critical” minerals, such as cobalt, lithium and nickel, rare earths, as well as products, part of manufacturing require the use of these resources, such as smartphones, electric vehicles, batteries and wind turbines. According to a decree published on Tuesday by the White House, the American industry “depends on foreign sources” that “are exposed to serious and durable clashes” for mineral supply.
The Ministry of Commerce will have up to 180 days to return its copy to the US President.
A survey on the importation of pharmaceutical and semiconductor products
On Monday, this ministry had already opened an investigation according to the same model with respect to the importation of pharmaceutical and semiconductor products. This process was based on a 1962 law, which had almost never been used before Donald Trump, during his first mandate, to justify taxes on Taxes on Steel and Aluminum imports.
The US president, once again, used this law, known as article 232, to reintroduce in mid -March of the Customs of 25% in steel and aluminum, as well as in the car. Donald Trump has made customs duties the cornerstone of his economic policy, as well as an important diplomatic tool to obtain concessions from other countries.
Source: BFM TV
