Vance Unveils Price Floor

The Trump administration on Wednesday rolled out a major new trade proposal designed to protect America’s access to critical minerals and weaken China’s grip on the global supply chain.

The plan, announced during a high-level international summit at the U.S. State Department, would introduce enforceable price floors for key minerals used in defense, manufacturing, and energy production.

Vice President J.D. Vance revealed the initiative at the Critical Minerals Ministerial, which brought together representatives from multiple allied nations concerned about supply disruptions and economic security.

“This administration is proposing a concrete solution to restore stability and fairness to the global critical minerals market,” Vance said. “That solution is a preferential trade zone backed by enforceable price floors that protect participating countries from outside manipulation.”

Trump Targets China’s Dominance in Critical Minerals

The announcement is part of President Donald Trump’s broader effort to counter China’s dominance in mineral mining and refining. Beijing currently controls large portions of the global market, a reality U.S. officials warn poses serious national security risks.

Administration officials have repeatedly argued that America’s reliance on foreign-controlled minerals threatens everything from military readiness to domestic manufacturing.

Earlier this week, President Trump announced plans to establish a strategic mineral stockpile to ensure U.S. companies can access critical resources during emergencies or supply chain disruptions.

Price Floors, Tariffs, and a New Trade Zone

In January, President Trump signed a proclamation instructing federal agencies to pursue mineral agreements that include price protections. Vance’s remarks this week significantly expanded on that policy.

Under the proposal, the United States would set benchmark prices for critical minerals. These prices would act as a floor for participating nations and would be enforced through adjustable tariffs designed to prevent underpricing and foreign market manipulation.

“For countries that join this trade zone, these reference prices provide a stable foundation for private investment and guaranteed access to critical mineral supplies during a crisis,” Vance said.

He confirmed that several countries have already agreed to participate, though he declined to name them.

America First Foreign Policy and Resource Security

The mineral initiative reflects the Trump administration’s aggressive America First approach to foreign policy and resource security.

In recent months, the White House has explored opportunities involving mineral reserves in Greenland and energy assets in South America as part of a broader strategy to secure reliable supplies for the U.S. economy.

Vance also addressed Venezuela, pointing to its vast oil reserves as a key factor in renewed U.S. interest in the country.

“One reason Venezuela matters is its critical importance in global energy production,” Vance said, referencing the nation’s massive oil resources.

Strengthening U.S. Independence and Economic Security

The administration has framed the new mineral trade framework as essential to protecting American workers, strengthening domestic industry, and reducing dependence on hostile foreign powers.

Officials argue that securing critical minerals is just as important as securing borders or defending energy independence, particularly as global competition intensifies.

The Trump administration says the goal is clear: ensure the United States remains economically strong, strategically independent, and prepared for future global disruptions.