The Biden administration is contemplating federal price supports for U.S. critical minerals projects to counter the impact of cheap Chinese imports that threaten domestic production.
James Bikales reports for POLITICO.
In short:
- The Energy Department may establish a price floor for U.S.-produced critical minerals to secure domestic supply chains.
- Chinese oversupply has caused mineral prices to plummet, endangering U.S. projects that received Biden administration grants.
- The proposal seeks to protect U.S. projects from foreign market manipulation, potentially requiring Congressional approval.
Key quote:
“If we move forward on anything like this, the intent would be to give the nudge that is needed to set off the flywheel, versus create a permanent subsidy or cushion for a particular sector or company going forward.”
— Anonymous Energy Department official
Why this matters:
China’s dominance in the critical minerals market threatens the U.S.’s ability to produce essential materials for clean energy technologies. Ensuring a stable domestic supply chain is vital for national security and the clean energy transition.
