Since early April, China has stopped almost all shipments of critical minerals that are needed for cars, robots, wind turbines, jet fighters and other technologies.

China appears to have offered U.S. and European auto giants something of a reprieve over a rare earth shortage.

China’s curbs on rare earth exports are reflected in trade data as value plummets in May, and risks to US supply chain are seen.

The auto industry has been hit particularly hard by China's rare earth export restrictions, but analysts warn Western defense giants are also vulnerable.

How did the U.S. become so dependent on China for a resource that is essential for cars, fighter jets and more?

Since early April, China has stopped almost all shipments of critical minerals that are needed for cars, robots, wind turbines, jet fighters and other technologies.

China has leverage it can use by limiting access to its rare earth supplies, but it does not want to sacrifice its reputation as a reliable supplier.

Beijing has a virtual monopoly on supply of the critical minerals used to make everything from cars to wind turbines.

Despite Beijing's signal to ease rare earth exports, global supply cutoffs will remain an ever-present threat, experts warned.