China's Rare Earth Export Ban Deepens Global Supply Chain Crisis

Beijing halts shipments of critical minerals and magnets, introducing regulatory delays that threaten industries worldwide in retaliation to US tariffs.

China has suspended exports of key rare earth minerals and magnets, essential for industries such as automotive, aerospace, defense, and electronics, affecting all global markets including the US, Japan, and Germany.
The export halt is a direct response to US tariff hikes under President Donald Trump, escalating trade tensions between the world's two largest economies.
Beijing is drafting a new export licensing framework, which could delay shipments for up to 45 days or longer, further disrupting global supply chains.
The suspension risks shortages of critical components, with industry leaders warning of potential production halts in electric vehicles, semiconductors, and military equipment.
China's dominance in rare earth production, controlling 90% of the global supply, underscores its leverage in trade disputes and raises concerns over long-term reliability as a supplier.