The article discusses the vital role of heavy rare earth elements in technology, particularly magnets, which enhance performance under high temperatures and improve durability. These elements not only support technological advances like wind turbines and electric vehicles but also have applications in strengthening metals and medical treatments. Despite China's restrictions on critical minerals, American companies have found ways to circumvent these barriers through intermediary countries. The effectiveness of China's trade controls is questioned, as prices for these minerals have not significantly increased.
The heavy rare earth elements are added as sort of a spice, a doping agent, to maintain the magnetism of the magnet at high temperatures.
Without them, in many cases, technological infrastructure and consumer gadgets won't be able to perform at the same level-but they will still maintain their basic functions.
One place where that rare earth is in your car is in the motors that pull up and down your window.
Since the European Union has much closer ties with Washington than with Beijing, it's difficult for the Chinese government to effectively stop this flow of trade.
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