Türkiye’s absence from Washington’s recent Critical Minerals summit has drawn attention to shifting dynamics in global supply-chain diplomacy and Ankara’s complex positioning within U.S.-led economic initiatives.

The summit, convened to strengthen cooperation among partners securing access to minerals essential for clean energy, defence and advanced manufacturing, brought together a select group of countries aligned with American efforts to reduce dependence on dominant suppliers and reinforce trusted supply networks.

Despite Türkiye’s growing role as an industrial producer and its ambitions to expand domestic mining and processing capacity, Ankara was not among the invited participants.

Officials familiar with the discussions indicated that attendance was limited to countries formally integrated into existing U.S.-backed frameworks on critical minerals, including those with binding agreements on data sharing, environmental standards and coordinated investment strategies.

Türkiye, while a NATO ally and a major regional economy, has pursued a more independent resource policy and has yet to align fully with these mechanisms.

Analysts also point to diplomatic and strategic considerations.

Ankara has sought to balance relations with Western partners and non-Western suppliers, including deepening economic engagement across Eurasia, which may have complicated its inclusion in a summit designed to consolidate a tightly defined bloc.

At the same time, U.S. policymakers have prioritised partners that can rapidly contribute to near-term supply diversification, particularly in lithium, rare earth elements and battery materials, areas where Türkiye’s production remains at an earlier stage.

The omission does not preclude future cooperation.

Turkish officials have signalled interest in expanding dialogue with the United States and Europe on critical raw materials, and industry representatives note that Türkiye’s geographic position, manufacturing base and untapped mineral potential could make it an important partner as global demand accelerates.

For now, however, the summit’s guest list reflects Washington’s preference for established alignments as it moves to secure strategic mineral supply chains amid intensifying global competition.