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

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.

‘If China imposes export restrictions on rare earth components, the US will just find alternative sources,’ former AmCham China chair says, pointing to challenges.

The announcement came as trade talks wrapped up in London, with critical minerals high on agenda.

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.