America’s economy heavily depends on imported minerals vital for technology, energy, and defence. In 2024, the US was 100% import-reliant for 12 of the 50 “critical” minerals identified by the US Geological Survey (USGS), including natural graphite, manganese, fluorspar, and arsenic, key to steelmaking, batteries, and chemicals.
China is the top supplier for many, especially rare earth elements, with 80% of US imports coming from there. These materials power military tech, electric motors, and advanced electronics used by firms like Lockheed Martin, Tesla, and Apple.
The US is also over 50% reliant on imports for 28 other critical minerals, mainly from China, Canada, Brazil, and Russia. Despite bipartisan efforts to boost domestic mining, reliance remains high. US mineral output rose $1bn in 2024 to $106 bn, aided by record gold and silver prices.
