FT reports US defense contractors warn a planned US strategic-minerals reserve could push up raw-material prices and pit the government against industrial buyers for scarce minerals. The Aerospace Industries Association, in a members’ position paper,

2026-10-08

FT reports US defense contractors warn a planned US strategic-minerals reserve could push up raw-material prices and pit the government against industrial buyers for scarce minerals. The Aerospace Industries Association, in a members’ position paper, urge caution to avoid market disruption. This year the US Export-Import Bank unveiled a $12 billion Project Vault to build a domestic strategic metals reserve to supply civilian industry during shortages; members say Project Vault could compete with corporate purchasers amid already constrained global supply, raising prices and volatility.