Trump Exempts Critical Metals from Tariffs Amid Trade Adjustments

On September 6, 2025, President Trump signed an order exempting select critical metals from tariffs, impacting supply chains and trade agreements in the U.S.

These tariff exemptions, set to boost strategic imports, could influence market dynamics in commodities and tokenized asset transactions.

Executive Order Bolsters U.S. Economic Security

On September 6, 2025, US President Trump signed an executive order exempting critical metals like graphite, tungsten, and gold bars from tariffs due to national security interests. This decision affects industries dependent on imported minerals and aims to strengthen supply chains crucial for sectors such as batteries and renewables. The US Department of Commerce is tasked with adjusting reciprocal tariff rules and implementing these exemptions.

Immediate implications are the potential increase in trade with African and Gulf states as strategic supply partners. Industries might experience input cost stabilization and there could be incentives for US-based manufacturing. Market analysts suggest the exemption facilitates streamlined trade agreements, allowing for easier removal of tariffs on critical imports.

Market reactions have varied, with some domestic firms like MP Materials and Energy Fuels poised for positive impacts due to stable input costs. This move adds to the ongoing dialogue about US independence from foreign mineral supplies. Statements from US Commerce and White House officials support the decision, emphasizing national security and dependency reduction.

Donald J. Trump, President, United States, “Tariff exemptions will apply for items that cannot be grown, mined, or produced in sufficient volume in the United States. Our willingness to reduce tariffs depends on the ‘scope and economic value of a trading partner’s commitments to the United States in its agreement on reciprocal trade’ and ‘US national interests’.”

Market Sentiments and International Trade Dynamics

Did you know? In June 2025, a 50% increase in global steel and aluminum tariffs significantly impacted industrial commodity hedging and trade tokenization trends.

PAX Gold (PAXG) is trading at $3,608.10 with a market cap of $1.04 billion, reflecting a 1.38% increase over 24 hours according to CoinMarketCap. The token’s circulation is 287,415.495. PAXG’s 30-day price has climbed by 6.74%, amidst rising demand for gold-backed investment avenues.

The Coincu research team notes that Trump’s tariff exemptions might indirectly benefit commodity-backed tokens like PAXG. Such moves influence market strategies on synthetic commodity platforms. Historically, tariff decisions often led to spikes in synthetic protocol use as market participants adjust for volatility.

Further analysis indicates that these market reactions are part of a broader trend of aligning economic strategies with geopolitical priorities.