Biden signs executive order aimed at securing supply chains for semiconductors, critical minerals

• the defense industrial base
• the public health and biological preparedness industrial base
• the information and communications technology (ICT) industrial base
• the energy sector industrial base
• the transportation industrial base
• supply chains for agricultural commodities and food production

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First 100 days

Meanwhile, the order calls for a 100-day review related to supply chain vulnerabilities for four key products:

• APIs, or the active ingredient in pharmaceutical products
• semiconductors
• critical minerals
• large capacity batteries, like those used in electric vehicles

Securing US supply chains for rare earths

Among the supply chains in question, as mentioned, is that of rare earths.
“Critical minerals are an essential part of defense, high-tech, and other products,” the White House said. “From rare earths in our electric motors and generators to the carbon fiber used for airplanes—the United States needs to ensure we are not dependent upon foreign sources or single points of failure in times of national emergency.”
In January, the US took a small step toward that goal with the signing of a deal with Australia’s Lynas Rare Earths Ltd.
The Australia rare earths firm will build a light rare earths separation facility in the US. Lynas is the largest rare earths company outside of China.
The lack of domestic processing capability leaves the US exposed, as Burns explained.
“The US even sends its ores to China for refining,” Burns noted. “That’s not because it doesn’t have the technical knowhow; the US simply lacks the facilities. Furthermore, China is more willing to tolerate the environmental damage from the dreadfully polluting refining process.”

Semiconductor supply chain shortage

As noted earlier, the latest supply chain challenge impacting US businesses is the semiconductor shortage.
In addition, the shortage is impacting the automotive sector, in particular.
Oliver Blume, CEO of Porsche, told CNBC’s “Squawk Box Europe” the shortage is “very serious” and could impact operations for months.
The latest executive order highlights the semiconductor shortage and its impact on automotive operations (and, in turn, on US workers).
“The United States is the birthplace of this technology, and has always been a leader in semiconductor development,” the White House said. “However, over the years we have underinvested in production—hurting our innovative edge—while other countries have learned from our example and increased their investments in the industry.”
The US-based Semiconductor Industry Association (SIA) welcomed news of the executive order. The association represents 98% of the US semiconductor industry by revenue.
“We welcome today’s executive order and stand ready to work with the Biden administration to ensure the strength and resilience of America’s semiconductor supply chains,” the SIA said. “As part of this effort, we urge the president and Congress to invest ambitiously in domestic chip manufacturing and research.”
Furthermore, the US’s share of global semiconductor manufacturing capacity has declined from 37% in 1990 to 12% today, SIA added.
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