U.S. mineral imports from Ukraine over South Africa
U.S. mineral imports from Ukraine over South Africa
Why does the U.S. prioritise stronger ties with Ukraine over South Africa when it comes to securing its mineral supply?
In today’s rapidly evolving geopolitical landscape, access to critical minerals is a key factor influencing international relations. The United States, a global leader in technology, defence, and clean energy, relies heavily on a stable supply of essential minerals to maintain its industrial and strategic edge. This raises an important question: Why are U.S. mineral imports from Ukraine over South Africa prioritized when securing critical resources?

The USA’s Mineral Landscape: What They Have and What They Lack
The United States is home to vast natural resources, but when it comes to critical minerals—those essential for defence, semiconductors, and renewable energy—it faces significant shortages. The U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) reports that the country is heavily dependent on imports for 50+ minerals, including rare earth elements, cobalt, lithium, and graphite.
Minerals Abundant in the USA:
- Copper – Essential for electrical wiring
- Gold & Silver – Used in electronics and currency reserves
- Zinc & Lead – Important for construction and battery production
Minerals the U.S. Heavily Depends on Imports For:
- Lithium – Vital for EV batteries and renewable energy storage
- Nickel – Used in stainless steel and battery technologies
- Cobalt – Critical for aerospace and battery production
- Rare Earth Elements (REEs) – Necessary for high-tech applications, including defence systems
The U.S. currently imports more than 80% of its rare earths, with China dominating global supply chains. This dependency poses a significant national security risk, prompting the U.S. to seek alternative sources in friendly nations.
Why Ukraine Over South Africa?
Despite South Africa’s wealth in platinum, gold, and rare earth minerals, U.S. mineral imports from Ukraine over South Africa continue to be prioritized due to geopolitical and economic factors. However, political instability, power crises, and South Africa’s alignment with BRICS nations (Brazil, Russia, India, China, South Africa) make it a less favourable ally for Washington.
Key Factors Driving U.S. Preference for Ukraine:
- Ukraine’s Vast Mineral Reserves
Ukraine is home to one of the largest lithium reserves in Europe, along with significant deposits of titanium, nickel, and rare earths. These resources are crucial for the U.S. and its allies as they look to diversify away from Chinese and Russian supplies. - Geopolitical Alignment
Ukraine is firmly aligned with the Western bloc, especially after the Russian invasion. The U.S. has provided billions in aid to Ukraine, and securing mineral resources in the region supports its broader economic and security interests. - Sanctions and Trade Restrictions on China & Russia
As tensions rise between the U.S. and China, Washington is actively reducing reliance on Chinese supply chains. Since South Africa maintains strong economic ties with China and Russia through BRICS, the U.S. is hesitant to increase trade in strategic minerals with a country that could favour its geopolitical rivals. - Ukraine’s Need for Post-War Reconstruction
With significant U.S. investment flowing into Ukraine, securing mineral rights in the country helps rebuild its economy while simultaneously benefiting American industries looking for a reliable, Western-aligned supply source.
Where Will the U.S. Get Its Minerals?
To reduce reliance on adversaries like China, the U.S. is expanding its global partnerships in mineral-rich regions:
Canada & Australia – Trusted allies with vast lithium, cobalt, and rare earth resources
Ukraine – Growing focus due to its untapped reserves
Latin America (Chile, Argentina, Bolivia) – The “Lithium Triangle” supplies over 50% of the world’s lithium
Africa (excluding South Africa) – Countries like Namibia and the Democratic Republic of Congo are becoming preferred suppliers of cobalt, uranium, and copper
Although South Africa is a mineral powerhouse, the trend of U.S. mineral imports from Ukraine over South Africa persists due to trade risks and political factors. As Washington seeks to secure critical minerals for defence, technology, and clean energy, it is turning to Ukraine, Canada, Australia, and Latin America—nations more aligned with Western interests.
For South Africa to remain competitive, it must strengthen its trade policies, improve infrastructure, and diversify partnerships beyond BRICS. Otherwise, it risks losing out on lucrative deals in the evolving global mineral landscape.