France and Australia Advance Trade Deal to Enhance Critical Minerals Cooperation

French Trade Minister Nicolas Forissier stated in Sydney on April 23, 2026, that France is working to expand cooperation with Australia to secure access to critical minerals. Speaking to journalists, he emphasized the importance of preventing these resources from being weaponized in an uncertain and violent trade and economic world.

Le Monde reported that democratic nations must organize to avoid such risks.

' He added that nations need to avoid situations where critical minerals could be weaponized again. Australia ranks among the world's top five producers of lithium, cobalt, and manganese, which are essential for rechargeable batteries and aircraft jet engines.

A picture shows bags containing a mixture of rare earth elements during a visit to the facility of Australian mining firm Lynas in eastern Malaysia's Gebeng on April 8, 2026.

Le Monde noted that China dominates the production of rare earths. China has threatened to restrict supplies in a tit-for-tat trade war with Washington. ' He stressed building something that will last to protect like-minded countries.

The minister spoke amid efforts to counter reliance on dominant producers. A landmark trade deal between the EU and Australia was agreed to last month. The agreement aims to give Europe better access to materials including aluminium, lithium, and manganese.

Under the deal, the quota of Australian beef allowed into the bloc will increase more than 10 times the current level over the next decade. Le Monde reported that the sweeping accord addresses critical minerals as a key component. Forissier addressed domestic concerns, stating that complaints from farmers in both France and Australia prove the agreement is balanced.