The EU and U.S. propose a minerals partnership to reduce China dependence and secure critical tech and energy supply chains.

The European Union is proposing a critical minerals partnership with the U.S. to reduce dependence on China, aiming to secure supply chains for essential tech and energy materials. The plan includes a memorandum of understanding within three months to develop a joint roadmap focused on shared projects, price stability, and protection from market manipulation. Both sides may exempt each other from export restrictions, collaborate on research, and explore stockpiling, aligning with the U.S. Trump administration’s $12 billion stockpile initiative. The move follows China’s 2025 rare earth export restrictions and reflects broader efforts to diversify global supply chains amid rising geopolitical tensions.