U.S., EU and Japan unveil critical-minerals partnership

The United States on Wednesday unveiled a critical-minerals partnership with Japan and the European Union, after a gathering in Washington amid growing concerns about China’s dominant role in the sector.

The partners aim to develop “coordinated trade policies and mechanisms, such as border-adjusted price floors, that can mitigate critical mineral supply chain vulnerabilities,” said the U.S. Trade Representative’s office in a statement.

Critical minerals include rare earth metals, which are key to the production of goods like smartphones, fighter jets and electric cars.