Amid escalating trade tensions, President Trump has directed the Commerce Department to investigate security risks associated with U.S. dependence on imported rare earth minerals, vital for national defense. Specifically, concerns arose after China reduced exports of these crucial materials in response to U.S. tariffs. China leads the global market, producing around 60% of supply, raising alarms about supply chain vulnerabilities and economic coercion. Graceline Baskaran of the Center for Strategic and International Studies emphasized the critical nature of these minerals for various industries, including defense, electronics, and clean energy.
China has an absolute dominance here.
America's dependence on imports exposes the country to economic coercion.
A shortage of rare earths, however, could impact everything from electronics and clean energy to defense and medical diagnostic equipment.
Rare earth minerals are actually a misnomer, because they're not rare.
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