Rare earth metals

Rare earth shortages worsen in US aerospace, chips despite trade truce: sources

Engine makers are already struggling to meet demand for spare parts from airlines and higher production by planemakers

A rare earth metals mine at Nancheng county, Jiangxi province in China. Analysts say the US and China face a contest to guarantee long-term access to the critical minerals.

China’s Li inspects rare earth facilities, hints at leverage in US rivalry

Rare earths are components essential to the manufacture of everything from automobiles to smartphones

Rare earths are a group of 17 elements including 15 silvery-white metals used to make magnets – which in turn power motion for electric vehicles, cell phones and missile systems.

Indonesia identifies eight blocks with large rare earth reserve potential

They were identified in places such as Kalimantan, Sulawesi and Bangka Belitung islands

US President Donald Trump (centre) unveiling "Project Vault" at the White House in Washington, DC, on Monday (Feb 2).
The US$12 billion critical minerals stockpile is aimed at minimising reliance on Chinese rare earths.

US-led critical minerals initiatives undercut by Trump

His recent moves against Greenland and Venezuela undercut the trust needed among allies to make such global partnerships work

Under Trump, the US has taken the rare step of investing directly in domestic minerals companies to boost the production and processing of rare earths at home.

Trump launches US$12 billion minerals stockpile to counter China

The effort is akin to the nation’s existing emergency oil stockpile

US mining and processing companies have pushed for price floors and other government backstops to help them compete with China.

US moves away from critical mineral price floors: sources

Other countries, including Australia, have also considered price floors for critical minerals

Rare earths have emerged as a flash point in trade relations in recent years, with the US and other nations seeking to challenge China’s dominance.

China rare-earth product exports fall as Japan spat draws focus

[BEIJING] China’s rare-earth product exports declined in December compared with the previous month, as investors monitor heightened tensions between Beijing and Japan that could trigger tighter shipme...

Ending US reliance on the minerals has been a top priority for Washington since last year, when Beijing imposed export restrictions on so-called rare earths.

US asks allies to step up measures on Chinese minerals

America has been pressing some European Union member states to sign bilateral memorandums of understanding

Crushed ores from MP Materials rare earth mine in Mountain Pass, California. The Pentagon became the largest shareholder in MP Materials in July, amid intensifying Chinese competition.

US lawmakers introduce Bill to create US$2.5 billion critical-minerals stockpile

Allied countries can join the reserve if they contribute at least US$100 million

China shipped a total of 62,585 metric tons of rare earth exports last year.

China’s 2025 rare earth exports hit highest since at least 2014 despite restrictions

[BEIJING] China’s rare earth exports in 2025 hit the highest level since at least 2014, even as Beijing began restricting shipments of several medium to heavy elements from April.