Foreign media reported on February 2: The Trump administration is advancing a strategic critical mineral reserve plan named "Project Vault," with an initial scale of $12 billion. The U.S. Export-Import Bank (EXIM) will provide a $10 billion loan with a 15-year term, and private capital will also be introduced to participate. The plan aims to systematically stockpile critical minerals such as lithium, nickel, and rare earths to ensure the security of raw material supplies for the U.S. automotive, technology, and defense industries, while also weakening what Washington perceives as China's dominant position in critical mineral pricing and supply chains.

PriceSeek Analysis
Lithium, Bull-Bear Score: 2
The U.S. government's "Project Vault" plan involves large-scale stockpiling of lithium, with an initial scale of $12 billion, which will significantly increase global demand and drive up spot prices. Combined with lithium carbonate futures data (e.g., contract 2612 closing price of 149,480 yuan/ton, up 2,080 yuan), the upward price trend is evident. This plan may further strengthen bullish market sentiment, serving as a significant positive factor for futures prices due to expectations of surging demand and tightening supply.

Nickel, Bull-Bear Score: 1
The plan includes systematic stockpiling of nickel, aimed at securing supply for the U.S. automotive and technology industries. This increases demand expectations and is favorable for spot prices. Stockpiling behavior may lead to tighter global nickel market supply and demand, driving moderate price increases. However, the impact is primarily at the spot level, and attention should be paid to subsequent actual procurement volumes.

Rare Earths, Bull-Bear Score: 1
Rare earths are included in the stockpiling plan as critical minerals, aiming to weaken China's dominance in the supply chain. Increased demand will support spot prices. Expectations of supply tightness may drive up prices of rare earth commodities, benefiting the spot market. However, the extent of the impact depends on specific mineral varieties and global trade dynamics.