Why Southeast Asia's Critical Minerals Matter for U.S. Businesses | Asia Forward | Episode 6

Critical minerals are becoming central to global supply chains, clean energy and advanced manufacturing. In this episode of Asia Forward, host Ei Than Sin speaks with Dr. Gracelin Baskaran about why Southeast Asia is drawing growing interest from U.S. businesses and policymakers.Dr. Baskaran, Director of the Critical Minerals Security Program at the Center for Strategic and International Studies, explains how rare earth elements and other critical minerals move from mining to processing and into industries such as electric vehicles, semiconductors and defense. A key challenge is processing capacity, which remains heavily concentrated in China and shapes global supply chain risk.The conversation focuses on Southeast Asia’s role in this shift. Indonesia’s rapid growth in nickel production has reshaped global markets, while Malaysia is emerging as a rare earth processing hub. Countries such as Vietnam and Myanmar also hold significant potential, though investment, infrastructure and political stability continue to affect development across the region.The episode also looks at how the United States is working with partners in Southeast Asia to diversify supply chains and reduce reliance on China. For U.S. companies, this raises practical questions about where to invest, how to manage risk and what role the region could play in long-term industrial strategy.Looking ahead, Dr. Baskaran shares her view on how Southeast Asia could fit into the global critical minerals supply chain over the next five to 10 years and what that means for U.S. competitiveness.Check out our website at www.asiaforward.org. Find us and connect with us on our socials.