Securing access to critical metals – is US and EU collaboration possible?

Supply, demand and contrasting approaches to security in critical metals.

Panellists:       
Kathleen Claussen, Professor of Law, Georgetown Law  

Simon Evenett, Professor of International Trade and Economic Development, St. Gallen University; Founder of the St. Gallen Endowment for Prosperity Through Trade   

Moderator:     
Rem Korteweg, Senior Research Fellow, Clingendael Institute 

This podcast episode was recorded on 27 February 2024. 

The 2024 edition of the AIG Global Trade Series explores the theme of ‘Back to the Future: A New Era of Managed Trade?’  

Alongside decarbonisation, the digital transition is leading to higher demand for specialty metals and rare earths elements. With the chemical properties of cobalt, lithium and gallium amongst others being crucial to the production of advanced technologies, and the lack of substitutes, these critical metals are imported from abroad from specific locations. 

This concentration of resources, and the consequently increased risk of disruption, has led to concerns about these supply chains being weaponised or leveraged as tools of economic coercion by a producing or processing country. Given the strategic importance to them both of these critical metals, how can the EU and the US secure their access?  This episode explores the dynamics of trade flows in critical resources from both European and US perspectives.   

Related content from GTS Contributors:  
Report – Authors: Simon Evenett and Johannes Fritz | The Scramble for Critical Raw Materials: Time to Take Stock? 

Blog – Author: Kathleen Claussen | What is a Free Trade Agreement, Anyway?


The Global Trade Series is a collaboration between AIG and the following international organisations with leading expertise on global trade: the Aspen Institute Germany; CEBRI - the Brazilian Center for International Relations; Chatham House (UK); the Clingendael Institute (The Netherlands); Elcano Royal Institute (Spain); ERIA – the Economic Research Institute for ASEAN and East Asia (Indonesia); IIEL - the Institute of International Economic Law at Georgetown University Law Center (US); ISPI - the Italian Institute for International Political Studies; the Jacques Delors Institute (France); RIETI - the Research Institute of Economy, Trade and Industry (Japan); and the St. Gallen Endowment for Prosperity through Trade (Switzerland).  

The views and opinions expressed in this podcast series are those of the speakers and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of American International Group, Inc. or its subsidiaries or affiliates (“AIG”). Any content provided by our speakers are of their opinion and are not intended to malign any religion, ethnic group, club, organization, company, individual or anyone or anything. AIG makes no representations as to accuracy, completeness, correctness, or validity of any information provided during this podcast series and will not be liable for any errors, omissions, or delays in this information or any losses injuries, or damages arising from its use.   

What is AIG Global Trade Series?

Back to the Future: a New Era of Managed Trade?

Globalisation’s next chapter is being written, driven by concerns about supply chain risks. The global trade in goods is increasingly seen through a security prism in capitals around the world and governments are developing new policies to reduce unwanted dependencies, seek new sources of leverage and guarantee supplies. Trade links are being reordered as policymakers scramble to secure access to strategic materials and positions in global value chains. Meanwhile, geopolitical turbulence and climate ambitions are giving rise to industrial policies, sanctions and a growing use of subsidies.

From investment screening to quotas to export controls, policymakers are proposing an increasing number of tools and policies to steer trade and investment flows. But despite worries about protectionism and fragmentation, trade continues as the private sector manages risk by embracing diversification. Elections in the US, EU, Mexico, UK, Indonesia, India and elsewhere may also lead to a reordering of the global politics of trade. Has the global trade system entered an era of managed trade? What will it mean for regional approaches to trade, and what does it mean for multilateralism and the WTO? Ultimately, the main question could be: who is in the driving seat in this brave new world for trade?