America gave up its rare earth edge. China took full advantage.
The United States has become heavily dependent on China for the processing of rare earth minerals, which are essential for modern electronics and military hardware. This reliance creates a strategic vulnerability, as China has previously utilized export controls to exert political leverage.
Why it matters
Rare earth minerals are critical components for national defense and high-tech industries, making supply chain independence a major geopolitical priority.
Mine-to-magnet chains America gave up its rare earth edge. China took full advantage. Decades of cheaper imports left US dependent on China for crucial rare earth processing.
10 MP Materials mines and processes rare earth minerals in California, including neodymium-praseodymium oxide used in high-performance magnets. MP Materials mines and processes rare earth minerals in California, including neodymium-praseodymium oxide used in high-performance magnets. Text settings Story text Size Small Standard Large Width * Standard Wide Links Standard Orange * Subscribers only Learn more Minimize to nav Look around you, and you’ll see rare earth elements at work. A phone vibrates because a magnet moves a weight . Its screen was polished with cerium powder. Its connection to the rest of the world crosses oceans on cables amplified with erbium . If you drove today, a rare earth magnet helped you steer, and a cerium compound scrubbed the exhaust .
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