United States–Japan Framework for Securing Critical Minerals and Rare Earths

United States–Japan Framework for Securing Critical Minerals and Rare EarthsDate/Source: October 27, 2025 — Briefings & StatementsPurpose: Establish a non-binding policy framework to secure and diversify U.S.–Japan supply chains for critical minerals and rare earths across mining, separation, and processing.Key elementsSupply security:Coordinate economic tools (financing, stockpiles, appropriate trade measures) to accelerate secure supply for advanced technologies and industrial bases.Promote upstream–downstream industry dialogues to diversify supply chains.Investment and financing:Jointly identify priority projects (magnets, batteries, catalysts, optical materials).Mobilize grants, guarantees, loans, equity, offtakes, insurance, and regulatory facilitation.Within six months: take steps to financially support selected projects.Convene a bilateral Mining, Minerals and Metals Investment Ministerial within 180 days.Regulatory and market measures:Streamline/accelerate permitting for mining, separation, and processing.Address non‑market policies and unfair trade by building high-standard marketplaces and pricing mechanisms reflecting true costs.Develop/strengthen authorities to review and deter sensitive asset sales on national security grounds.Recycling, partners, and mapping:Invest in recycling technologies; coordinate on scrap management.Work with international partners as appropriate.Cooperate on geological mapping in the U.S., Japan, and elsewhere.Rapid response and stockpiles:Create a U.S.–Japan Critical Minerals Supply Security Rapid Response Group led by the U.S. Secretary of Energy and Japan’s METI Minister.Consider complementary stockpiling arrangements using national systems.General provisions:Monitor/review projects; meet within 10 days upon request.Either side may discontinue with written notice; framework is non‑binding and creates no legal rights or obligations.Signed in Tokyo on October 28, 2025, by President Donald J. Trump and Prime Minister Takaichi Sanae.