<h1>U.S. seeks allied critical minerals trading bloc using tariffs and stockpiles and financing to counter China.</h1> The United States proposes a multilateral critical minerals trading bloc among allies to secure supply and stabilize prices by using tariffs to maintain price floors, preventing members from buying cheap Chinese materials, and providing access to financing. Complementary domestic measures include a USD 10 billion Export-Import Bank loan to create a Strategic Critical Minerals Reserve, direct investments in producers, and procurement controls for defense contractors to ensure reliable sourcing and to attract private investment in mining and downstream manufacturing.