US-China trade: what are rare-earth metals and what's the dispute?
Rare earths refer to a group of 17 elements that are prized for their unique magnetic and electrochemical properties.
They include elements such as gadolinium, lanthanum, cerium and promethium, and are vital in the production of cancer treatment drugs, smartphones and renewable energy technologies.
The elements have been designated as “critical” by the US Geological Survey for sectors including national defence.
Where do they come from?
...China is by far the world’s largest producer of rare earths and accounts for about 70% of global production. The country has some 37% of global reserves.
It would be a blow to the White House, as the US relied on China for about 80% of its rare-earth imports between 2014 and 2017.
The editor of the state-controlled Global Times, Hu Xijin, tweeted: “Based on what I know, China is seriously considering restricting rare-earth exports to the US. China may also take other countermeasures in the future.”
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