U.S. and Norway Release Joint Report on Non-Market Practices in Critical Mineral Markets

January 16, 2025 — The U.S. Department of Commerce and the Norwegian Ministry of Trade, Industry, and Fisheries have jointly released a comprehensive report analyzing the impact of non-market policies and practices (NMPPs) on global critical mineral markets. The report, titled "NMPP Report," represents a significant step in the two nations' collaborative efforts to promote sustainable, high-standard, and market-oriented critical mineral mining and processing worldwide. The International Trade Administration’s Industry and Analysis business unit played a key role in developing the report.

"Securing our critical mineral supply chains is vital to protecting our national security and enhancing our economic competitiveness,” stated Assistant Secretary of Commerce for Industry and Analysis Grant Harris. “This report provides an in-depth analysis of how non-market policies and practices have impacted the markets for critical minerals. It should be used to inform actions by market-oriented economies and industry partners to differentiate markets and strengthen these vital supply chains.”

The NMPP Report offers a detailed examination of mineral supply chains in both the United States and Norway, analyzes the non-market policies and practices that are affecting mineral markets, and examines how these NMPPs have been implemented in the supply chains of specific critical minerals, including rare earth elements, graphite, cobalt, nickel, and magnesium, and the resulting market impact.

The report concludes that without concerted action from market-oriented countries, working in conjunction with industry and other stakeholders, critical mineral supply chains will remain vulnerable to distortions caused by NMPPs. The findings of the NMPP Report are intended to serve as a foundation for developing appropriate responses to these non-market practices. The goal is to bolster the long-term commercial viability of sustainable, high-standard, and market-oriented critical mineral mining and processing activities, not only in the United States and Norway but also on a global scale.

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