China tightens grip on rare earths with export curbs on seven critical metals

Though these metals are relatively abundant in the Earth’s crust, they’re rarely found in concentrated deposits and require complex refining, an area dominated almost entirely by China.

In early April, Beijing expanded its export controls to include seven rare earth elements in response to Washington’s fresh tariff hikes. While the US has virtually no capacity to process these metals, China commands both the mining and refining operations, making it a key player in global supply chains.

China says the restrictions are meant to safeguard national security, as these metals are used in advanced technologies with both civilian and military uses.

“This improves China’s leverage in any negotiations,” David Merriman, research director at consultancy Project Blue was quoted as saying by Bloomberg.

Below is a look at the newly restricted rare earths and their primary applications:

Terbium

Used in smartphone screens and energy-efficient lighting, terbium also enhances the heat resistance of magnets in defence technologies. It’s rare in most deposits and difficult to extract.

Yttrium

Applied in medical lasers and cancer treatments, yttrium also strengthens alloys and withstands extreme heat, making it useful in superconductors. The US relies heavily on China for supply.

Dysprosium

This temperature-resistant metal is vital for magnets in wind turbines and electric vehicles, as well as nuclear reactor control rods. China exports the bulk of it to Asia, with negligible shipments to the US.

Gadolinium

A key element in MRI contrast dyes, gadolinium is also used to improve alloys and in nuclear reactor cores for its neutron absorption qualities.

Lutetium

Primarily used as a catalyst in oil refining, this dense metal is sourced almost exclusively from China.

Samarium

Important for high-temperature magnets in defence systems and electric motors, samarium is also used in lasers and reactors, and appears on the US critical materials list.

Scandium

This lightweight, high-strength metal is used in aerospace parts and sports equipment. It also serves as a tracer in oil refining. The US hasn’t produced it domestically in decades.

Not Targeted this round:

Neodymium and praseodymium — essential for electric motors and wind turbines — remain unaffected. Still, China vastly outproduces the US, with over 58,000 tons last year versus America’s 1,130 tons.