Japan in Critical Minerals Agreement with U.S.

Oct. 28, 2025
By: Chaney A. Finn

In meetings prior to the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) summit in South Korea the United States and Japan agreed to cooperate with respect to critical mineral processing and development. The agreement comes while China implements export restrictions on critical minerals.

Signed in Tokyo by President Trump and Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi, the Critical Minerals Agreement aligns the U.S. and Japan in collaboration to accelerate the processing and development of critical minerals which produce the vital components in electronics, defense systems, and renewable technologies. High-level key elements include:

• Joint financial support for mining and processing projects within six months.
• Coordinated investment and policy tools to develop diversified, fair, and transparent global markets for rare earths.
• Mutually complementary stockpiling arrangements and partnerships with other allies to secure long-term supply chains.

The deal also addresses energy collaboration by facilitating Japan’s ongoing diversification of liquefied natural gas (LNG) imports away from Russia toward U.S. suppliers in Alaska and Louisiana. Additionally, Japan and the U.S. will deepen collaboration in next-generation nuclear energy, including AP1000 reactors, small modular reactors (SMRs), and potentially fusion energy.

Under the deal, the U.S. and Japan strengthen supply chain resilience and technological independence from China, and is being touted as “a new golden age for the U.S.-Japan alliance.” The U.S.’s ongoing trade and economic engagement in the region essentially continues the policies of the Indo-Pacific Economic Framework for Prosperity that officially took effect in February 2024 to strengthen ties in the Indo-Pacific and unify countries against non-market influences and aggressive trade policies exhibited by China.

Should you have any questions about global trade developments, trade in the Indo-Pacific region, or utilizing trade agreements do not hesitate to contact any attorney at Barnes, Richardson & Colburn, LLP.