Will US Tariffs Threaten Potassium Titanate Supplies?
Since Donald Trump returned to the White House, the issue of tariffs and the threat of trade wars has loomed large. Much of this has centred around rows with China, Mexico and Canada and has threatened movements of goods ranging from avocadoes to oil.
However, there is also the question of mineral exports and whether issues with these might affect various countries. The EU appears to be next in Mr Trump’s sights, while it is uncertain whether the UK will be hit by tariffs or not.
Potassium is one of the minerals mined in large quantities in the US, meaning any issues with its cost and supply to other countries could be a significant concern.
Finding an alternative potassium supplier may be problematic for some, as the other leading producers in the world include Russia and Belarus, which would present a problem for any western nations suddenly facing problems with the US.
However, Germany and Canada are also among the leading nations, so the situation is not too bad from any geopolitical perspective. Indeed, it might even be advantageous for Canada if the agreement that has halted the mutual implementation of tariffs between it and the US subsequently breaks down.
Thankfully, the UK is in a secure position for potash, as it has several mines. These include the ICL potash mine at Boulby and Anglo-American’s Woodsmith mine project in North Yorkshire, which when complete will add to Boulby as a producer of a rare combination of potash and other minerals known as polyhalite, often found in the form of orange crystals.
As a result, potassium will not be something the UK is short of in the event of Britain being hit by some kind of trade war involving mineral imports and exports.
Many things in the world of Donald Trump are uncertain, but thanks to what lies beneath the ground in the UK, at least one mineral supply is not in any doubt.
