Internet reports that Trump has launched an investigation into the need for tariffs on key mineral products, the latest move in an expanding trade war against key sectors of the global economy. According to a White House fact sheet, the order signed by Trump on Tuesday requires the Commerce Secretary to initiate a Section 232 investigation under the Trade Expansion Act of 1962 to "assess the impact of importing these materials on U.S. security and resilience." If the Commerce Secretary finds that imported key minerals pose a threat to "national security and the President decides to impose tariffs," the levies will replace the so-called reciprocal tariffs Trump announced earlier this month on U.S. trading partners. The order deals with key minerals, including rare earth elements, and views them as "the cornerstone of the U.S. defense industry foundation" and crucial to the manufacture of jet engines, missile guidance systems, advanced computers, and radar, optical and communications equipment. The order also covers uranium and processed key minerals and derivative products. Under the law, the Commerce Secretary should submit the results of an investigation within 270 days. The White House said that although the United States has some important minerals, it still imports large quantities, posing economic and security risks. The U.S. government says the United States relies on imports of at least 15 key minerals. Key minerals are used in defense, automobiles, space travel, batteries and other equipment, but the United States relies on other countries for most of its supplies.