America gave up its rare earth edge. China took full advantage.
Summary
The United States once led the world in rare earth element production but lost its edge to China, which now controls most of the processing. Rare earth elements are key for many technologies, including military equipment, and China’s control gives it political power through export restrictions.Key Facts
- Rare earth elements are 17 metals important for electronics, magnets, and military gear.
- China processes about 91% of the world’s rare earth minerals, even though it mines about 60%.
- The US was a world leader until the late 1980s but stopped most domestic processing due to environmental problems and competition from China.
- China used export controls on rare earths in 2025 but suspended them until November 2026, showing its influence.
- The US imports more than two-thirds of the rare earths it needs, despite having mines.
- Rebuilding the US supply chain takes many years because China has more experience, technology, and engineers.
- Efforts to restart mining and processing in the US, like at California’s Mountain Pass mine, began around 2017 but progress is slow.
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