China has decided, starting April 4, 2025, to restrict exports of seven rare earth minerals in response to its trade war with the United States.
This follows Beijing's previous ban on three metals and restrictions on others in response to the United States raising its tariffs to 54%.
Rare earth minerals are critical to the electronics, renewable energy, and defense industries.
And China's dominance over it - as it controls 87% of global processing operations (extraction, processing and refining).
This means that this move could cause major disruptions to supply chains worldwide.
The seven rare earth minerals whose exports and uses have been restricted by China are as follows:
1- Samarium: It is used in permanent magnets, nuclear reactors, and green energy technologies.
2- Gadolinium: Essential for contrast agents in MRI, superconductors, and protection from cosmic radiation.
3- Terbium: It is found in phosphors for lighting and electronics, as well as in currency security features.
4- Dysprosium: It is used in wind turbine magnets, nuclear control rods, and high-temperature magnets.
5- Lutetium: It is used in refining crude oil, manufacturing computer chips, and infrared lasers.
6- Scandium: Strong aluminum alloy for use in aerospace and sports equipment.
7- Yttrium: It is used in LED lighting, lasers, and medical applications such as cancer treatment.
