Ed Butler finds out why the United States is ramping up efforts to secure supplies of critical minerals, especially those essential for electrical vehicles, semiconductors and defence systems. Plus, what's the outlook for weight-loss jabs from Novo Nordisk and Eli Lilly? And, what Washington wants as it renews the African Growth and Opportunity Act.

(Picture: U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio holds a press conference during the Critical Minerals Ministerial at the State Department in Washington D.C., U.S., February 4, 2026. Credit: REUTERS/Jonathan Ernst)