U.S. Trade Proclamation Reinforces Importance of Domestic Rare Earths Supply Chain

Core Viewpoint - The U.S. trade proclamation issued on January 14, 2026, aims to adjust imports of processed critical minerals to strengthen domestic supply chains and reduce vulnerabilities in national defense and advanced manufacturing [1][2]. Group 1: U.S. Trade Proclamation - The proclamation highlights the national security risks associated with heavy reliance on foreign sources for processed critical minerals, including rare earths [2]. - It outlines measures to mitigate these risks through negotiated trade measures and increased domestic production [2]. Group 2: American Rare Earths' Role - American Rare Earths announced in December 2025 the production of mixed rare earth oxide (MREO) from its Halleck Creek ore, marking a significant technical milestone for the company [3]. - The production of MREO is essential for downstream separation and the creation of value-added rare earth products, aligning with U.S. policy objectives to enhance domestic processing capacity [4]. Group 3: Halleck Creek Project - The Halleck Creek Project in Wyoming is a world-class rare earth deposit that could secure America's critical mineral independence [5]. - The project is strategically positioned to reduce U.S. reliance on imports, particularly from China, while addressing the growing demand for rare earth elements crucial for defense and advanced technologies [6]. - American Rare Earths is committed to environmentally responsible mining practices and collaborates with U.S. Government-supported R&D programs to innovate extraction and processing technologies [6].