National Security

US Creates Critical Minerals Preferential Trade Zone

The State Department hosted dozens of countries at the first Critical Minerals Ministerial on Feb. 4.
US Creates Critical Minerals Preferential Trade Zone
Secretary of State Marco Rubio speaks during a press conference at the inaugural Critical Minerals Ministerial meeting at the Sate Department in Washington on Feb. 4, 2026. Oliver Contreras/AFP via Getty Images
Catherine Yang
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The United States hosted more than 55 countries at the first Critical Minerals Ministerial on Feb. 4, announcing the creation of a preferential trade zone meant to offer members predictable and stable conditions for reentering the industry.

During the opening speeches, much mention was made of the leverage Beijing wielded in 2025 when it threatened to subject the world’s supply to Chinese regime approval on a case-by-case basis, but officials did not mention China by name.

Catherine Yang
Catherine Yang
Author
Catherine Yang has been with The Epoch Times in New York since 2008. She also launched and previously served as chief editor of American Essence magazine and Epoch Health.