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RARE EARTHS POWER
Why Rare Earths Are the Next Flashpoint in U.S.-China Trade Tensions?
A deep dive into the data, risks, and geopolitical fallout of America’s reliance on Chinese rare earths.
Imagine a world without smartphones, electric vehicles, or advanced military technology systems that rely on rare earth elements (REEs) like neodymium and dysprosium. These precious minerals, critical to modern innovation, have thrust the United States into a precarious position, heavily dependent on a single global powerhouse: China.
Yesterday, President Trump signed an executive order directing the Commerce Department to launch a national security investigation into critical minerals, laying the groundwork for potential tariffs. This bold move, part of an escalating trade war, could reshape global supply chains and test America’s economic resilience. Let’s dive into the dynamics of this strategic showdown, where geology, geopolitics, and economics collide.
Strategic Implications of the Executive Order
The U.S administration’s move represents a recognition that rare earth dependency has evolved from an economic concern to a national security vulnerability. Defense applications for these minerals…