Overview
- China expanded export controls to 12 rare-earth elements and tightened curbs on related technologies, with Mofcom saying compliant civilian-use exports will be approved.
- Reporting describes partial suspensions of rare-earths and magnets that could slow automotive, renewable energy, electronics, and defense production.
- President Donald Trump accused Beijing of using minerals as an economic weapon and announced 100% tariffs on Chinese goods starting in November, as Treasury signaled a possible 90‑day pause and minimum pricing.
- China maintains its measures are lawful and focused on non-proliferation and supply-chain security, while industry analyses warn of immediate impacts from constrained supplies.
- USGS-backed estimates place China at about 85% of global processing and roughly 70% of mining, and U.S. outreach to Argentina and Brazil highlights reserves that lack industrial-scale refining despite rising strategic interest.