Silver Is Now a “National Security Issue” – And Prices Could Explode

Published: 16-01-2026, 10:58 am | Updated: 16-01-2026, 11:52 am

The U.S. government just made a move that should immediately put silver back on your radar. 

In a new White House proclamation, silver — alongside roughly 40 other materials — has officially been framed as a national security concern. That’s not marketing language. That’s a signal. 

In his latest video, Alan breaks down what the proclamation actually says, why silver sits at the center of it, and what this shift could mean for prices, supply, and investors who are paying attention before policy actions ripple through the market. 

Here’s the big picture. 

The Situation: America’s Dangerous Dependence on Foreign Minerals 

The proclamation doesn’t mince words. 

According to the report submitted to Trump on October 24th, 2025, processed critical minerals are being imported into the United States “in such quantities and under such circumstances as to threaten to impair the national security of the United States.” 

Here’s the breakdown: 

• The US is 100% import reliant on 12 critical minerals 

• The US is 50% or more import reliant on 29 additional minerals 

• Silver specifically? 69% imported, with the remainder produced domestically 

Even when the US can mine these minerals domestically, we often lack the processing capacity — meaning we have to ship raw materials overseas just to bring them back as finished products. 

These minerals aren’t just nice-to-haves. They’re indispensable to national defense, advanced weapons systems, critical infrastructure, energy grids, AI data centers, nuclear energy, consumer electronics, and vehicles. 

In other words? Silver (and these other minerals) are the backbone of modern technology — and America is dangerously dependent on foreign suppliers. 

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The Solution: Price Floors (And Why That Could Send Silver Soaring) 

So how does Trump plan to secure these critical minerals? 

The proclamation instructs the Secretary of Commerce and the US Trade Representative to “pursue negotiation of agreements” with foreign suppliers. And here’s the kicker: 

“In negotiating, the Secretary and the Trade Representative should consider price floors for trade in critical minerals and other trade-restricting measures.”  

— The White House 

That’s a price floor. 

In plain English, it means the U.S. could guarantee above-market prices to secure silver supply. 

Here’s why that matters: 

• If the U.S. pays more than the global market, producers will sell to the U.S. 

• Other buyers then have to match or exceed that price 

• The U.S. becomes the price setter — not the market 

And once that process starts, it doesn’t naturally reverse. Each round tightens supply elsewhere and forces prices higher to compete. 

This isn’t speculation. It’s how commodity markets respond when governments step in as buyers of last resort. 

What Could Happen Next: Export Controls and Trade Restrictions 

Price floors aren’t the only tool on the table. 

The proclamation also mentions “other trade-restricting measures” — and Alan points out that this could mean export controls. 

Sound familiar? 

Just two weeks ago, China implemented export controls on silver, restricting how much could leave its borders. The US may be laying the groundwork to do the same. 

If that happens, we’re looking at a scenario where: 

• The US restricts silver exports to keep supply domestic 

• China is already restricting silver exports 

• Global supply tightens dramatically 

• Prices spike as manufacturers scramble for remaining sources 

This isn’t speculation. The proclamation explicitly gives the administration the authority to explore these measures. 

So What Does an Individual Investor Do? 

Alan doesn’t dance around this part.  

“You get your hands on as much physical silver as you possibly can before the government bids up the price.” — Alan Hibbard 

If governments are preparing to bid up prices to secure silver — and if supply chains are already tight — then waiting for clarity usually means paying more later. 

Physical silver doesn’t need policy approval. It doesn’t depend on future legislation. It exists outside price controls that haven’t been implemented yet. 

That’s the asymmetry here. 

Once the government moves from discussion to action, the market reprices — and it rarely does so gently. 

Watch the Full Breakdown from Alan 

This is one of those moments where a government document quietly tells you more than a headline ever will. 

Alan walks through the proclamation line by line, explains the mechanics behind price floors and trade controls, and lays out why silver’s role just changed — structurally, not cyclically. 

This could be the most important development in the silver market in years. Don’t miss it. 

Watch the full video here: BREAKING: Silver Now an Issue of National Security 

People Also Ask 

Why did the U.S. government declare silver a national security issue? 

The U.S. government flagged silver as a national security concern because it’s essential to defense systems, energy infrastructure, electronics, and advanced technology — and the U.S. relies heavily on foreign supply. The official proclamation admits current imports threaten supply security. Alan breaks down exactly what this means in his latest GoldSilver video. 

Is silver considered a critical mineral in the United States? 

Yes. Silver was officially designated a critical mineral by the U.S. government in 2024 due to its indispensable role in modern technology and national defense. This designation gives the government more justification to intervene in supply chains and pricing, a key point discussed in Alan’s video on GoldSilver’s YouTube channel. 

How could government price controls affect silver prices? 

The proclamation allows for minimum import prices — effectively price floors — which could force buyers worldwide to pay more for silver. If implemented, this would likely push global prices higher over time. 

Why is silver so important for technology and energy infrastructure? 

Silver is the most conductive metal on Earth, making it critical for electronics, solar panels, AI data centers, electric vehicles, and weapons systems. There’s no practical substitute at scale, which is why rising demand keeps colliding with limited supply.  

How could U.S. government actions impact people who own physical silver? 

U.S. government actions like price floors, trade restrictions, or supply controls could push silver prices higher by tightening available supply. For people who already own physical silver, this may increase its value and reduce exposure to future market or policy disruptions. Alan Hibbard explains these dynamics in detail in his latest video on GoldSilver’s YouTube channel. 

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