China’s Rare Earth Export Controls: Weaponizing Dominance Amid US Tariffs and Tech Bans
In a strategic escalation of the U.S.-China trade conflict, Beijing has intensified its grip on the global supply of rare earth elements—critical materials used in everything from smartphones and electric vehicles to military hardware. Controlling approximately 90% of the world’s rare earth refining capacity, China announced sweeping new export restrictions on October 9, 2025, adding five new elements to the controlled list and imposing stricter scrutiny on shipments destined for semiconductor manufacturing. This move is widely seen as retaliation against ongoing U.S. tariffs and technology export bans, further straining bilateral relations and sending shockwaves through global markets. The Strategic Importance of Rare Earths Rare earth elements (REEs) are a group of 17 metals essential for high-tech industries. They power magnets in wind turbines, enhance performance in electronics, and are indispensable in defense systems like fighter jets and missiles. China’s dom...