Canada Maintains Status as Top Supplier of Steel, Aluminum, and Uranium to U.S. Amid Pentagon Focus on Critical Minerals
As of early 2026, Canada is the largest foreign supplier of steel, aluminum, and uranium to the United States, according to data from the U.S. Geological Survey and the U.S. International Trade Commission.
Canada consistently provides the largest share of U.S. steel imports and is a major aluminum supplier. Additionally, Canada is a significant source of uranium for U.S. nuclear power plants. The U.S. government, including the Pentagon, has increased investment in securing supply chains for 34 critical minerals from Canada, which has substantial reserves of these materials.
The Pentagon's investment has grown through initiatives like the Defense Production Act and partnerships with Canadian companies. Separately, the Office of Information and Regulatory Affairs has approved a rulemaking from the Pipeline Hazardous Material Safety Administration to modernize regulations for the transportation of hazardous materials related to U.S. space operations.
