Strategic Minerals at Risk, The U.S. is falling behind in the global race for rare earth metals, with China tightening its grip on supply chains that power everything from fighter jets and missiles to EVs and wind turbines.
China’s Leverage
In April 2025, China imposed export controls on seven rare earth elements and the magnets derived from them, exposing the West’s dependence on Chinese processing.
These materials are essential for both modern life and modern warfare, and China’s restrictions are seen as a geopolitical flex.
U.S. Vulnerabilities
The U.S. has known for over 15 years that its supply chains were too fragile and concentrated, yet failed to act decisively across administrations.
A new trade framework allows China to resume export licenses for six months, but critics warn it’s a temporary fix with opaque terms.
Real-World Impact
Companies like Ford have already halted production due to magnet shortages, showing how even short-term disruptions ripple through industry.
The Chinese export license process is described as highly invasive, demanding detailed data from foreign firms.
Call to Action The op-ed urges the U.S. to treat rare earths not as commodities, but as instruments of geopolitical power, and to invest in transparent, resilient supply chains before time runs out.
(source CNBC)
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