# RELATIVE POSITION OF THE UNITED STATES IN REGARD TO SUPPLIES OF MINERALS
The United States is more nearly self-sustaining in regard to mineral
commodities as a whole than any other country on the globe. The
following statement summarizes qualitatively our position:
- Minerals of which our exportable surplus dominates the world
situation:
| Copper. |
|---|
| Petroleum has belonged in this class until recently. In the future imports will be required (see 5 following). |
- Minerals of which our exportable surplus constitutes an important but
not a dominant factor in the world trade:
| Cement. |
|---|
| Coal. |
| Iron and steel. |
| Phosphates. |
| Silver. |
| Sulphur. |
| Uranium and radium. |
- Minerals of which our exportable surplus is