What does the Munich Security Conference mean for Japan’s markets?

It signals policy follow-through on supply-chain security. We expect progress on US-Japan alliance critical minerals, semiconductor inputs, and defense procurement standards. Clear joint statements or funding lines could lift select materials, recycling, logistics, and defense names. Headline risk may increase ahead of March, but execution signals would support sentiment.

Why are critical minerals a focus of the US-Japan alliance?

EV batteries and chips rely on minerals that Japan imports. Concentration risk raises costs and disruption odds. The alliance can diversify suppliers, support recycling, and align export rules. If concrete financing and offtake tools appear, US-Japan alliance critical minerals planning could translate into steadier input prices and better capital spending visibility.

How do Wang Yi remarks factor into investment risk?

They reflect sharper rhetoric that can precede policy actions, such as export controls or permit changes. Markets may react before facts are clear. Investors should watch official readouts, tariffs, and licensing rules. Maintain position sizing and hedge input exposure where possible as the US-Japan alliance critical minerals agenda advances.

What are actionable steps before the Takaichi US visit?

Build a watchlist of refiners, recyclers, chemical suppliers, and logistics firms with allied contracts. Track ministries for working-group updates and draft funding tools. Note any minerals named in statements. If US-Japan alliance critical minerals appears with concrete deliverables, consider scaling positions in companies with proven supply and reporting systems.

Law and Government

February 17: US–Japan Alliance Moves to Bolster Critical Minerals

ByHuzaifa Zahoor February 17, 2026February 17, 2026

US-Japan alliance critical minerals took center stage at the Munich Security Conference as Washington and Tokyo agreed to deepen security and economic coordination. The agenda points to tighter supply-chain de-risking, next steps on EV and semiconductor inputs, and preparation for Prime Minister Takaichi’s US visit in March. With sharper China rhetoric and Wang Yi remarks in Munich, policy momentum looks real. For Japan investors, we see clearer signals on procurement, friend-shoring, and stock themes tied to materials, tech, and defense.