Can the US Break China's Grip on Rare Earths?

· Trade · United States · China

China spent decades building dominance across rare-earth mining, processing and magnet manufacturing, leaving the US dependent on a foreign supply chain for materials used in vehicles, wind turbines, electronics and defense. US firm MP Materials is now trying to rebuild that chain.

Why it matters：Rare earths are a choke point in the US-China tech and defense rivalry that affects prices and supply worldwide.

Key points

  • China dominates mining, processing and magnet manufacturing
  • Rare earths are essential to vehicles, wind turbines, electronics and defense
  • MP Materials is trying to rebuild a US supply chain

Sources (original reporting)

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