Western companies warn of China rare-earth supply chain chaos
Executives predict Beijing’s tighter controls will lead to production delays and higher prices
Executives predict Beijing’s tighter controls will lead to production delays and higher prices

Beijing determined to retain leverage over supply by preventing buyers from building large inventories

Extensive licensing requirements raise concerns about intellectual property theft

Trump administration plans to set price floors, create strategic minerals reserve and take equity stakes

Beijing’s tight export controls on critical minerals have strained relations with US and EU

Rare earths are not the only Chinese product that America would struggle to replace

Beijing’s success in snarling supply chains with rare earths has shifted the balance of power in trade talks