The Australian resources minister, Madeleine King, expressed disappointment that the United States declined an opportunity for a guaranteed supply of critical minerals in trade for exemptions on steel and aluminum tariffs. King made this statement as Australia, alongside other countries, became subject to these tariffs. King emphasized that future negotiations would continue but that no more favorable offers would be extended regarding critical minerals. She pointed out that while the U.S. investment in Australia’s critical minerals industry is welcome, the country already has established investment from Japan and South Korea and growing interest from other nations, including Germany and Europe. China controls a significant portion of the world’s production and processing of critical minerals, underlining the strategic importance of securing alternative supplies.

Source: https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2025/mar/15/australia-will-not-revise-critical-minerals-for-tariffs-exemption-deal-rejected-by-trump-administration