China halts rare earth exports to Japan, leveraging control of over 90% of global production. Japan responds with US partnership and G7 stockpiling plan.

China has cut critical mineral exports to Japan since January 2026, costing businesses an estimated $4.2 billion as rare earth supply chains face prolonged

A few Chinese refineries turn rare earths into the magnets inside electric cars, wind turbines, AI servers and weapons, handing Beijing a quiet global lever