G7 trade ministers pledge cooperation on critical minerals supply chains
Trade ministers from the Group of 7 industrialised nations have pledged to cooperate on securing supply chains of critical minerals after meeting amid geopolitical tensions and trade uncertainty.
The ministers said they were seeking common ground on the issue, according to the supplied report.
The pledge was described as a clear swipe at China.
The meeting matters because critical minerals are central to supply chains for a range of industries, and the G7 is trying to present a coordinated response to growing trade pressure.
The row did not provide details of any binding agreement or timetable.
The G7 is made up of major advanced economies that often coordinate on trade, energy and security issues.
In this case, the focus was on reducing vulnerability in mineral supply chains rather than announcing new sanctions or restrictions.
No further specifics were given on which minerals were discussed, which countries led the talks, or whether any follow-up meeting has been scheduled.
It was also not clear from the supplied material how far the ministers had moved beyond general statements of cooperation, or what practical steps might follow.
