U.S. and EU strengthen critical minerals partnership to reduce reliance on China

The United States and the European Union will sign a memorandum of understanding to strengthen cooperation on critical minerals, led by U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio and EU Trade Commissioner Maros Sefcovic. The deal aims to secure alternative supplies of rare earth minerals and reduce reliance on Chinese-dominated supply chains. U.S. and EU officials have also discussed tariffs and incentives, including possible minimum price guarantees, to support non-Chinese suppliers. The agreement comes as EU exports to the U.S. hit a record 555 billion euros in 2025, while President Donald Trump continues urging European allies to take on greater geopolitical responsibilities.

Source: adapted from Reuters, April 2026.