Defense Production Act Determination for Critical Materials

On October 5, 2018, the Trump administration issued Presidential Determination 2018-22338 pursuant to Section 303 of the Defense Production Act of 1950, invoking authority to prioritize contracts and allocate materials deemed necessary for national defense. This determination authorized the government to require domestic production or allocation of specified materials and products. The direct impact on Americans included potential price effects on materials subject to prioritization and mandatory production contracts issued to domestic manufacturers in affected sectors.