Vectorial Kato inequality for $p$-harmonic maps with optimal constant

We derive the sharp vectorial Kato inequality for $p$-harmonic mappings. Surprisingly, the optimal constant differs from the one obtained for scalar valued $p$-harmonic functions by Chang, Chen, and Wei. As an application we demonstrate how this inequality can be used in the study of regularity of $p$-harmonic maps. Furthermore, in the case of $p$-harmonic maps from $B^3$ to $\mathbb{S}^3$, we enhance the known range of $p$ values for which regularity is achieved. Specifically, we establish that for $p \in [2, 2.642]$, minimizing $p$-harmonic maps must be regular.