BREAKING: The U.S. Department of Commerce issued a temporary final rule banning the export of black mass derived from lithium-ion batteries. The rule requires sellers of black mass to allocate 100% of monthly sales to U.S. buyers effective August 27, 2026. The export ban is part of a larger effort by the Trump Administration to keep critical minerals within the U.S., support domestic business, and strengthen national security. ARA is supportive of efforts to create a circular economy and emphasizes the leading role that the automotive recycling industry plays in recovering critical minerals from motor vehicles. The temporary rule is likely to affect automotive recyclers that are processing vehicles containing lithium-ion batteries and may limit available outlets for scrap batteries. ARA is speaking with the relevant government agencies and is closely monitoring the rule’s implementation and impact.
Read the Full Rule: Federal Register: DPAS Order for Recoverable Critical Minerals & Materials
