PolicyTrade

US-China Rare Earth Minerals Conflict Decades in the Making, Analysis Reveals

The current US-China conflict over rare earth minerals represents the culmination of thirty years of strategic industrial policy shifts, according to industry analysis. Recent export controls follow patterns China established in 2010, with American dependence traced to approved technology transfers and domestic production decline. Experts suggest rebuilding strategic sectors will require sustained investment and policy commitment.

Historical Context of Rare Earth Dependence

The ongoing tension between the United States and China over rare earth minerals represents shadow boxing with very real consequences, according to industry analysts who trace current dependencies to policy decisions made decades ago. Sources indicate that China’s export controls on these critical minerals—essential for semiconductors, electric vehicles, smartphones, and defense systems—stem from a deliberate, long-term strategy that the U.S. enabled through industrial policy choices dating to the 1990s.

Economy and TradingInternational Business and Trade

China September Exports Beat Forecasts as Trade Tensions Escalate

China’s export performance surpassed analyst forecasts in September while imports recorded their strongest growth since April 2024. The economic data emerges against a backdrop of escalating trade tensions between Beijing and Washington, with both sides implementing new restrictions and tariff threats.

China’s September export performance has surpassed expectations while imports grew at their fastest pace since April 2024, according to official data released amid escalating trade tensions between Beijing and Washington. The stronger-than-anticipated trade figures arrive as both economic powers exchange new tariff threats and implement fresh restrictions that threaten to undermine progress made during earlier bilateral negotiations.

Escalating Trade Restrictions Between Economic Powers