US President Trump ordered the Commerce Dept. and USTR to negotiate agreements with foreign suppliers to reduce US reliance on imported processed critical minerals, citing national security risks

• Negotiators have 180 days to secure binding or enforceable agreements. 

The directive from President Trump to negotiate agreements aimed at reducing reliance on imported critical minerals underscores heightened national security concerns. This could lead to market implications, particularly in commodity prices and foreign exchange rates, as investors assess potential disruptions in supply chains and shifts in trade dynamics over the next 180 days.