• Trump exempts key minerals from U.S. global tariffs
• Move aims to secure critical supply chains, says White House
• African exporters gain, but copper still faces 50% tariff

In a move to secure supplies of critical minerals, U.S. President Donald Trump has exempted gold, tungsten, uranium, and graphite from global tariffs announced in April. The decision, formalized by executive order, took effect on Monday, September 8.

The administration justified the exemptions as "necessary and appropriate" to address a "national emergency" cited when the tariffs were first imposed. The White House stated the move is essential for securing supplies vital to American economic security. In addition to precious metals, uranium, tungsten, and graphite are strategic inputs for the aerospace, electronics, medical device, and energy sectors.

The announcement comes amid high volatility in commodities markets. In the first half of 2025, precious metals like gold and silver surged, with gold reaching a record high of $3,500 per ounce, driven by geopolitical uncertainty. Meanwhile, industrial metals such as iron and nickel remained under pressure.

For Africa, a key global supplier of gold—second only to China—and a significant producer of uranium (Niger, Namibia) and tungsten (Rwanda), the exemption avoids a potential surcharge and could boost the competitiveness of exports to the United States. However, it does not alleviate all uncertainties in the mining sector, as other crucial African exports, like copper, remain subject to tariffs. Trump's July announcement of a 50% tariff on copper, for instance, caused prices of the red metal to spike in the U.S. market.

Observers will now be watching to see if the exemptions signal a lasting shift toward trade cooperation or a temporary adjustment to secure American supply chains. Markets will closely monitor the decision's impact on prices and African producers' ability to capitalize on this opening in U.S. protectionism.

According to an August report by ODI Global, low- and middle-income countries risk losing $89 billion annually due to a decline in exports to the U.S. The think tank's analysis identified six African nations in the top 10 most vulnerable to rising U.S. tariffs and cuts to development aid.

Louis-Nino Kansoun