Trump Bans Export of Tungsten Scrap and Battery Materials

The United States will implement a ban on the export of tungsten scrap and recycled battery materials, referred to as black mass, starting in late August 2026. This restriction requires suppliers to sell these critical materials domestically to reduce strategic dependence on China. The rule follows a measure signed last week by Donald Trump, who utilized the Defense Production Act to secure materials essential for national security.

Tungsten is used primarily in military armor and ammunition, while black mass contains critical sources of lithium, cobalt, and nickel. The United States Department of Commerce published the rule, stating that an inadequate supply of these materials poses a risk to national security. While companies may apply for exemptions, the one-year restriction is intended to bolster domestic stockpiles.

Industry analysts suggest the ban may limit material availability for recyclers in South Korea and Southeast Asia. However, observers note that the United States currently lacks the domestic refining capacity necessary to absorb the volume of material that was previously exported.