The United States and Thailand have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to enhance cooperation on the development and expansion of global critical minerals supply chains. The agreement was formalized in Kuala Lumpur on October 26, 2025, with U.S. President Donald J. Trump and Thai Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul as signatories.
The MOU aims to strengthen collaboration between the two countries in several areas related to critical minerals, which are essential for various industries including technology and renewable energy. The document states: “The purpose of this Memorandum of Understanding is to strengthen cooperation between the Participants on critical minerals supply chains development and expansion; to promote trade and investment between the Participants in critical mineral resource exploration, extraction, processing and refining, and recycling and recovery; to encourage investment that supports domestic value addition and processing industries rather than solely exporting raw materials; and to support the transition to open, efficient, secure, and transparent critical minerals and rare earths markets to improve the strength, security, and prosperity of critical minerals and rare earths supply chains in the United States and Thailand.”
Under the agreement, both governments plan to share information about international best practices in order to boost competitiveness within Thailand’s critical minerals sector. They will also coordinate on priority projects that support secure supply chains for these resources. The MOU outlines mechanisms such as government meetings, workshops, joint geoscience work, private sector engagement, university involvement, information exchanges, capacity-building activities, and streamlined regulatory processes.
The MOU also addresses national security concerns by stating that both parties “will work in good faith to develop new or strengthen existing authorities that review and deter certain critical minerals and rare earths asset sales on national security grounds.” Additionally, it sets expectations for early sharing of information regarding tenders or projects so companies from both countries can participate effectively.
Both sides have agreed that all activities under this memorandum are subject to funding availability. The MOU is not legally binding under international law nor does it obligate funds from either party. It allows either participant to discontinue cooperation at any time with written notice via diplomatic channels.
Regular meetings—either in-person or virtual—are planned at the working level to discuss ongoing opportunities related to trade or investment in critical mineral supply chains.
The agreement reflects a shared intent by both nations to create stable conditions for investment while promoting resilient supply chains through partnership among business sectors involved in exploration, development, processing, and end use of critical minerals.
Signed copies were executed in English by President Trump for the United States and Prime Minister Charnvirakul for Thailand.