The Pentagon isn’t usually in the business of commodity speculation, but when national security is at stake, expect the old rules to bend. The Financial Times reports that the U.S. Defense Department has kicked off a $1 billion spree to stockpile critical minerals like rare earths.

This includes everything from rare earths to strategic metals needed for electric vehicles, fighter jets, and semiconductors. The goal? Build domestic resilience. Break dependency on a Chinese supply chain that’s proven anything but dependable.​

The move to procure up to $1 billion worth of critical minerals is part of a global stockpiling effort aimed at countering Chinese dominance. It highlights a strategic pivot that echoes Cold War-era stockpile programs. Back then, it was oil. Today, think lithium, cobalt, nickel, and rare earths. Basically, all the things you’ll find in Teslas, missile guidance systems, smart bombs, and high-frequency radars.​

Supply chain jitters have been brewing for years, but they hit critical mass after China imposed fresh export restrictions on rare earths and other strategic materials. The move immediately caused an earthquake across international markets, including Bitcoin and crypto, with Donald Trump spewing on Truth Social:

“China is “becoming very hostile, and sending letters to Countries throughout the World, that they want to impose Export Controls on each and every element of production having to do with Rare Earths, and virtually anything else they can think of, even if it’s not manufactured in China.”

The Pentagon’s move isn’t speculative; it’s a defensive posture. This marks one of the largest mineral procurement efforts in decades, and Washington isn’t alone. Brussels and allies across Europe are rushing to catch up, stockpiling for war risk and energy transition alike.​

China throws markets a lifeline

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Author: Christina Comben