Close Menu
  • Last News
    • Cities
    • Climate
    • Energy
    • Impact
    • Markets
    • Opinions
    • Policy
    • Reports
    • Research
  • About Us
  • Advertise
  • Contact Us

Subscribe to News

Subscribe to our weekly newsletter to receive the very best articles of the moment, handpicked and delivered straight to your inbox.

Trending
Illustration of billions of periodical cicadas emerging across the United States landscape (AI-generated, unrealistic). Credit: Ideogram.
“Billions Are Coming”: US Prepares for Biblical Cicada Swarm Not Seen in 17 Years as Ground Begins to Tremble
Illustration of the Red Dragon drone in flight, showcasing its advanced capabilities and design (AI-generated, unrealistic). Credit: Ideogram.
“America’s Suicide Drone Strikes Fast”: New Kamikaze Tech Hits 100 MPH and Launches in Seconds for Instant Kill Missions
Illustration of the NIKE laser facility being used to simulate extreme conditions for nuclear weapons (AI-generated, unrealistic). Credit: Ideogram.
“US Fires Up NIKE Laser Monster”: World’s Strongest Beam Now Tapped to Supercharge Next-Gen Nuclear Warheads
Facebook X (Twitter) LinkedIn RSS
Sustainability Times
Facebook X (Twitter) LinkedIn RSS
Subscribe
  • Featured
  • Cities

    Chinese Product Designer Yihan Luo Showcased “Pikapoo” at Milan Design Week 2025

    May 7, 2025 at 5:23 PM

    Winter Storms to Bring More Snow and Ice Across the U.S.

    February 8, 2025 at 10:50 AM

    A survey of a single backyard in Australia reveals over a thousand species

    December 10, 2023 at 10:55 PM

    Harms of noise pollution track with U.S. racial inequities

    December 5, 2023 at 8:50 PM

    Climate poll finds ‘disconnect’ with leaders in 31 nations

    November 28, 2023 at 8:37 PM
  • Climate
    Illustration of billions of periodical cicadas emerging across the United States landscape (AI-generated, unrealistic). Credit: Ideogram.

    “Billions Are Coming”: US Prepares for Biblical Cicada Swarm Not Seen in 17 Years as Ground Begins to Tremble

    May 11, 2025 at 4:54 PM
    Illustration of the ancient Wollemi pine, also known as the "dinosaur tree," thriving in its natural habitat (AI-generated, unrealistic). Credit: Ideogram.

    “Jurassic Tree Lives Again”: 200-Million-Year-Old ‘Dinosaur Tree’ Successfully Bred in Stunning Scientific Breakthrough

    May 9, 2025 at 3:55 PM

    The European CBAM : an attempt to regulate carbon imports

    May 7, 2025 at 4:11 AM
    Illustration of ancient pterosaurs walking across a prehistoric mudflat (AI-generated, non-realistic illustration). Credit: Ideogram.

    “Prehistoric Creatures Walked Among Us”: Astonishing Discovery of Ancient Tracks Proves Flying Reptiles Ruled Both Sky and Land in Dinosaur Era

    May 5, 2025 at 3:46 PM
    Illustration of DEHP exposure's impact on global heart disease (AI-generated, non-realistic illustration). Credit: Ideogram.

    Silent Killer in Your Home: This Common Plastic Chemical Linked to Staggering 356,000 Heart Disease Deaths in 2018, Study Reveals

    May 5, 2025 at 10:05 AM
  • Energy
    Illustration of the NIKE laser facility being used to simulate extreme conditions for nuclear weapons (AI-generated, unrealistic). Credit: Ideogram.

    “US Fires Up NIKE Laser Monster”: World’s Strongest Beam Now Tapped to Supercharge Next-Gen Nuclear Warheads

    May 11, 2025 at 9:55 AM
    Illustration of deep-sea mining operations extracting polymetallic nodules from the ocean floor (AI-generated, unrealistic). Credit: Ideogram.

    “Trump Declares Resource War”: This Controversial Move to Mine the Ocean Floor Aims to Break China’s 80% Resource Stranglehold

    May 11, 2025 at 9:11 AM
    Illustration of ultrafast electric vehicle charging highlighting potential battery longevity issues (AI-generated, unrealistic). Credit: Ideogram.

    “Ultrafast Charging Is Destroying EVs”: Insatiable Speed Craze Is Ravaging Batteries and Slashing Vehicle Lifespans Globally

    May 11, 2025 at 7:49 AM
    Illustration of Qinshan Phase III nuclear plant setting a world record for continuous operation (AI-generated, unrealistic). Credit: Ideogram.

    “China’s Nuclear Beast Keeps Running”: Qinshan Reactor Shatters Global Record With Mind-Blowing Continuous Power Surge

    May 11, 2025 at 6:45 AM
    Illustration of scientists transforming corn stover into fermentable sugar for biofuel production (AI-generated, unrealistic). Credit: Ideogram.

    “Scientists Turn Trash Into Treasure”: US Researchers Revolutionize Biofuels by Transforming Corn Waste into Affordable Sugar for Future Energy Needs

    May 10, 2025 at 6:11 PM
  • Impact
    Illustration of the Red Dragon drone in flight, showcasing its advanced capabilities and design (AI-generated, unrealistic). Credit: Ideogram.

    “America’s Suicide Drone Strikes Fast”: New Kamikaze Tech Hits 100 MPH and Launches in Seconds for Instant Kill Missions

    May 11, 2025 at 4:13 PM
    Illustration of a humanoid robot malfunctioning at a Chinese factory (AI-generated, unrealistic). Credit: Ideogram.

    “Robot Snaps and Attacks”: Shocking Footage Shows Humanoid Machine Turn on Handlers Inside Chinese Factory

    May 9, 2025 at 9:57 AM
    Illustration of the RAF's StormShroud drone equipped with radar-jamming technology (AI-generated, unrealistic). Credit: Ideogram.

    “British Drone Makes F-35s Invisible to Enemy Radars”: This Revolutionary Tech Leaves Rival Nations Scrambling for Solutions at Breakneck Speed

    May 8, 2025 at 9:08 AM
    Illustration of the Star Wars-themed G1T4-M1N1 cargo robot inspired by R2-D2 (AI-generated, unrealistic). Credit: Ideogram.

    “Looks Straight Out of Star Wars”: This Cargo Robot’s Shocking Makeover Merges Real Tech With Galactic-Level Fantasy Dreams

    May 7, 2025 at 4:55 PM
    Illustration of China's Type 094A nuclear-powered ballistic missile submarine patrolling the ocean depths (AI-generated, unrealistic). Credit: Ideogram.

    China’s New 12,125-Ton Submarine Raises Alarms: This Massive Underwater Beast With Forward Torpedoes Could Change Global Naval Power Balance

    May 7, 2025 at 7:55 AM
  • Markets

    Most sources of protein in the US contain vast quantities of microplastics

    January 11, 2024 at 5:47 AM

    Banking on change: How your accounts have climate impact

    December 26, 2023 at 7:13 PM

    Sparxell’s glitter is golden with nature-based color, design

    December 19, 2023 at 9:29 PM

    Lab-grown coffee tastes pretty darn good, scientists say

    December 12, 2023 at 10:42 PM

    Vegan diets can work wonders in preventing cardiovascular disease

    November 30, 2023 at 10:14 PM
  • Opinions

    Where Time Touches Light: Yefan Liu and the Future of Cultural Design

    April 18, 2025 at 3:39 AM
    “Ancient Predator Resurfaces: The Terrifying Epicyon, Massive Canid Beast With Bone-Crushing Jaws, Shakes Experts to Their Core”

    “He’s Back From Extinction”: The Gigantic Epicyon Returns With Bone-Crushing Jaws That Terrified Prehistoric America

    April 16, 2025 at 7:53 AM
    « This Mind-Bending Theory »: scientist proposes evidence for a simulated universe, sparking the ultimate existential debate worldwide

    A scientist just proved we live in code : this groundbreaking theory of a simulated universe shatters reality and redefines the laws of existence

    April 6, 2025 at 5:12 PM
    "Detect lies with these": Four surefire tricks to spot deception and never be fooled again

    “Detect lies with these”: Four surefire tricks to spot deception and never be fooled again

    March 27, 2025 at 6:00 PM
    "Tech giants sound the alarm": These titans declare the end of smartphones, but Apple's Tim Cook stands his ground

    “Tech giants sound the alarm”: These titans declare the end of smartphones, but Apple’s Tim Cook stands his ground

    March 26, 2025 at 5:12 PM
  • Policy
    Illustration of advanced global missile warning stations for enhanced defense capabilities (AI-generated, unrealistic). Credit: Ideogram.

    This $244M Pentagon Deal Just Boosted U.S. Missile Defense: Northrop to Build Worldwide Early Warning Stations

    May 10, 2025 at 9:00 AM
    Illustration of China's J-36 sixth-generation fighter jet enforcing airspace blockades over the Pacific (AI-generated, unrealistic). Credit: Ideogram.

    This Chinese Jet Stunned the Pentagon: U.S. Reacts With Urgency After 620-Mile Intercept Range Sends Shock Through Defense

    May 9, 2025 at 8:12 AM
    Illustration of lab-grown Tyrannosaurus rex leather being used in luxury fashion accessories (AI-generated, non-realistic illustration). Credit: Ideogram.

    “Jurassic Park Was a Lie”: This Stunning Revelation Confirms T. Rex Leather Is Fake—No Dinosaur DNA or Skin Survived

    May 5, 2025 at 9:12 AM
    Illustration of the ACV-30 Amphibious Combat Vehicle equipped with a remote turret system (AI-generated, non-realistic illustration). Credit: Ideogram.

    US Marines Deploy Amphibious Tanks With Devastating 30mm Firepower Designed to Conquer Shorelines and Shock Adversaries

    May 4, 2025 at 6:07 PM
    Illustration of Northrop Grumman's innovative Lumberjack drone showcased at a military conference (AI-generated, non-realistic illustration). Credit: Ideogram.

    “America’s Enemies Are Terrified”: Jet-Powered US Spy Drone Now Strikes From 200 Miles With Mini Bombs and Surgical Precision

    May 4, 2025 at 9:46 AM
  • Reports
    Illustration of the SABRE South Collaboration’s experimental setup for detecting dark matter in the Stawell Underground Physics Laboratory (AI-generated, non-realistic illustration). Credit: Ideogram.

    “Scientists Stunned by Mysterious Light”: Bold Experiment Uses 4-Inch Glowing Crystal Core to Unveil Secrets of Elusive Dark Matter

    May 5, 2025 at 6:05 AM
    Illustration of a precision laser being fired from Earth to a satellite orbiting the Moon during daylight (AI-generated, non-realistic illustration). Credit: Ideogram.

    China Hits the Moon With a Laser: First Daylight Lunar Reflection in History Stuns Scientists and Ignites Global Space Race

    May 4, 2025 at 5:09 PM
    Illustration of the SR-72 hypersonic jet soaring through the sky (AI-generated, non-realistic illustration). Credit: Ideogram.

    “China Stunned by US Jet”: SR-72 Hypersonic Aircraft to Fly at Over Mach 5 in 2025, Triggering Shock and Panic in Beijing

    May 4, 2025 at 6:03 AM
    Illustration of China's expansive underground military command center near Beijing (AI-generated, non-realistic illustration). Credit: Ideogram.

    China Unveils Its Military Mega-Project: Satellite Images Reveal Construction of the Largest Military Hub on Earth Spanning Over 1,000 Acres

    May 3, 2025 at 6:54 AM
    Illustration of China's new amphibious anti-tank missile system on the ZTD-05 vehicle (AI-generated, non-realistic illustration). Credit: Ideogram.

    “China Unleashes Amphibious Beast”: This Armored Truck-Turned-Tank Can Now Hunt Enemy Targets Across Rivers and Swamps

    May 2, 2025 at 5:52 AM
  • Research
    Illustration of a revolutionary portable device detecting dangerous street drugs (AI-generated, unrealistic). Credit: Ideogram.

    UK Unleashes Instant Drug Scanner: New High-Tech Street Weapon Can Detect Narcotics Before They’re Even Consumed

    May 11, 2025 at 6:01 AM
    Illustration of a binary star system emitting radio signals every two hours (AI-generated, unrealistic). Credit: Ideogram.

    “They’re Coming From Space!”: Mysterious Radio Signals Repeating Every 2 Hours Identified in That Distant Star System

    May 10, 2025 at 5:10 PM
    Illustration of scientists at the University of Stuttgart developing eco-friendly bio-concrete using human urine (AI-generated, unrealistic). Credit: Ideogram.

    This Green Concrete Is Made From Urine: German Scientists Recreate Sandstone Texture Using Waste in Eco-Tech Breakthrough

    May 10, 2025 at 8:08 AM
    Illustration of researchers using AI technology to decode ancient Greek scrolls (AI-generated, unrealistic). Credit: Ideogram.

    “AI Reads the Unreadable”: 2,000-Year-Old Greek Scroll Decoded Without Being Opened in Historic Technological Breakthrough

    May 10, 2025 at 6:01 AM

    “Miracle Foam Revolutionizes Relief: This Steroid-Free Solution Offers Unprecedented Hope for Scalp and Body Psoriasis Sufferers”

    May 10, 2025 at 5:47 AM
Sustainability Times

“America Is Being Strangled by China’s Grip”: Rare Earths Turn Into Ruthless Weapons in Explosive Tech Trade War

China's recent decision to halt rare earth exports, a critical move in the escalating trade war with the United States, threatens to severely disrupt global supply chains and ignite economic uncertainty across key industries.


Rosemary PotterBy Rosemary PotterApril 19, 2025 at 7:09 AM84 Mins Read
Share Twitter Facebook LinkedIn Telegram WhatsApp Email Copy Link
Follow Us
Google News
China Strikes With Rare Earths Arsenal: Unleashes Unprecedented Tech Trade War Fury on US, Industry in Shock
A cargo ship stranded at a Chinese port amid halted rare earth exports, highlighting the escalating trade tensions between China and the U.S.
Share
Twitter Facebook LinkedIn WhatsApp Email Copy Link
IN A NUTSHELL
  • 🌍 China’s halt on rare earth exports has intensified the trade war, impacting global supply chains.
  • ⚙️ Industries dependent on rare earths, like electric vehicles and defense, face potential production delays.
  • 📈 The export freeze has led to rising prices and uncertainty as companies await new licensing approvals.
  • 🔧 Beijing uses its dominance in rare earths as a strategic tool against U.S. tariffs, with significant economic implications.

The ongoing trade war between the United States and China has now taken a dramatic turn, with China weaponizing its dominance in rare earth minerals. These critical materials are at the heart of modern technology, powering everything from electric vehicles to sophisticated defense systems. As the U.S. grapples with increased tariffs, China has retaliated by halting exports of these crucial elements. This move could have far-reaching consequences, disrupting global supply chains and causing prices to skyrocket. The world watches with bated breath as industries brace for the impact.

Industries Brace for Critical Material Shortages

China’s decision to suspend rare earth exports has sent shockwaves through industries heavily reliant on these elements. With China accounting for a staggering 90% of global rare earth production, the sudden freeze is causing significant disruptions. For certain heavy rare earths like dysprosium and terbium, China’s output was nearly 99% of the global supply until this halt. These elements are vital for manufacturing electric vehicle (EV) motors, drones, missiles, and numerous high-tech components.

According to industry reports, shipments came to an immediate halt following the new restrictions. Exporters are now in limbo, waiting for an undetermined period for the Ministry of Commerce to issue the necessary licenses. The estimated delay is around 60 days, but experts warn it could last longer. Companies like American Elements had anticipated the trade war, boosting inventories ahead of time. However, if the export ban persists, stockpiles could deplete, bringing production lines in sectors such as EVs and defense to a grinding halt.

“Cyber Power Shift” – Russia no longer a threat as US unveils its unprecedented cybersecurity dominance

China’s Ports Jammed as Exporters Await New License Approvals

The situation at Chinese ports is chaotic, with exporters facing growing confusion and delays. Cargo that hadn’t cleared customs by the deadline now sits stranded, and many companies have declared force majeure to avoid penalties for undelivered goods. The enforcement of these new restrictions is inconsistent across different ports. While some ports allow limited exports, particularly to non-U.S. destinations, others demand rigorous lab testing before any shipments can proceed.

The result has been a surge in prices for rare earth elements on the international market. For example, dysprosium oxide, a crucial metal, now fetches $204 per kilogram in Shanghai, with prices rising even faster abroad. James Litinsky, executive chairman of MP Materials, highlights the urgency of the situation, emphasizing the critical role these materials play in the future of warfare technology like drones and robotics. As the trade war escalates, the global economy faces increasing uncertainty.

“Unstoppable force meets its match”: Next gen US missile defense obliterates elusive hypersonic threats with precision

Beijing’s ‘Trump’ Card in Escalating Trade War

In response to the U.S. tariffs, China is leveraging its control over rare earths as a strategic economic weapon. President Trump has defended the tariffs, asserting they are essential to addressing trade imbalances with China. However, China’s near-monopoly on rare earth production gives it a potent tool for retaliation. By halting exports, Beijing can exert significant pressure on industries worldwide.

Rumors abound that the U.S. may expand tariffs to include semiconductors and electronic devices, which could further strain relations. In Longnan, China’s rare earth hub, mining operations have quietly resumed despite environmental concerns, ensuring a steady domestic supply. Yet, the international shipments remain frozen, leaving global tech industries in a precarious position. Daniel Pickard, chair of the critical minerals advisory committee for the U.S. government, warns of severe potential impacts on the U.S. economy.

“Elon Musk is panicking”: These 6 reusable Chinese rockets just leapfrogged SpaceX in the ultimate space race showdown

Economic Implications and Future Prospects

The halt in rare earth exports exposes the vulnerabilities in global supply chains and underscores the geopolitical tension between the U.S. and China. The ripple effects are poised to impact various sectors, from consumer electronics to advanced military systems. Companies are now scrambling to find alternative sources and strategies to mitigate the shortage.

As the situation unfolds, it raises critical questions about the future of global trade and technological advancement. Will industries manage to adapt and diversify their supply sources, or will this trade war lead to long-term setbacks in technological innovation? The answers remain uncertain, but the stakes are undeniably high. As markets react and governments strategize, the world is left wondering: how will this conflict reshape the future of international trade and technological development?

Did you like it? 4.5/5 (30)

Subscribe to News

Subscribe to our weekly newsletter to receive the very best articles of the moment, handpicked and delivered straight to your inbox.

China-US Competition Geopolitical Tensions Rare Earth Elements
Follow on Google News Follow on X (Twitter)
Share. Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Telegram WhatsApp Email Copy Link
Previous Article“Carbon-Rich Asteroids Vaporized Before Impact”: Solar Radiation Destroys Life-Bearing Space Rocks Before They Reach Earth
Next Article “Humans Will Finally Speak to Dolphins”: Google’s New AI Breakthrough Unleashes Unbelievable Leap in Animal Communication
Rosemary Potter
  • X (Twitter)

Rosemary Potter is a Chicago-based journalist for Sustainability Times, covering global sustainability challenges, environmental policy, science, business and climate resilience. A graduate of Northwestern’s Medill School of Journalism, she blends investigative depth with a global perspective. Her reporting amplifies voices driving change across borders, industries, and ecosystems. Contact: [email protected]

Keep Reading
Illustration of the Red Dragon drone in flight, showcasing its advanced capabilities and design (AI-generated, unrealistic). Credit: Ideogram.

“America’s Suicide Drone Strikes Fast”: New Kamikaze Tech Hits 100 MPH and Launches in Seconds for Instant Kill Missions

Illustration of deep-sea mining operations extracting polymetallic nodules from the ocean floor (AI-generated, unrealistic). Credit: Ideogram.

“Trump Declares Resource War”: This Controversial Move to Mine the Ocean Floor Aims to Break China’s 80% Resource Stranglehold

Illustration of China's enormous laser fusion complex in Mianyang, highlighting its potential impact on energy and nuclear capabilities (AI-generated, unrealistic). Credit: Ideogram.

“U.S. Spy Flight Uncovers Fusion Laser”: China Caught Building Colossal Device That Could Reshape Global Energy and Warfare

View 8 Comments
8 Comments
  1. alexander_eternity on April 19, 2025 7:11 AM

    Wow, this is intense! Is there any chance other countries can step up and produce more rare earths to counterbalance China’s hold? 🤔

    Reply
  2. Carol_moon on April 19, 2025 8:02 AM

    Are there any technological advancements that could reduce reliance on rare earths, or is this a dead end?

    Reply
  3. madisonconstellation on April 19, 2025 8:54 AM

    This article is eye-opening. Thanks for breaking down such a complex issue! 🙌

    Reply
  4. malika on April 19, 2025 9:45 AM

    I wonder how long the U.S. can withstand this pressure before finding alternative solutions.

    Reply
  5. adrian on April 19, 2025 10:38 AM

    Isn’t it ironic that tech advancements are being held back by a shortage of materials that create them?

    Reply
  6. Peter Römer on April 19, 2025 11:11 AM

    That’s what happens when USA declared China the enemy, sanctions them to no end because USA can’t compete. Along with wanting to destroy China no matter what. Always bragging about competition until someone is better. If India gets to where China is they will be next on the list to sanction just like China.

    Reply
  7. abdulmystery on April 19, 2025 11:29 AM

    Someone should have seen this coming. Why didn’t the U.S. diversify its supply chain earlier? 🤷‍♂️

    Reply
  8. rassalas on April 19, 2025 11:36 AM

    Simple Stop making EV’s Teslas are over-rated anyways.

    Reply
Leave A Reply Cancel Reply

Subscribe to News

Subscribe to our weekly newsletter to receive the very best articles of the moment, handpicked and delivered straight to your inbox.

Trending
Illustration of billions of periodical cicadas emerging across the United States landscape (AI-generated, unrealistic). Credit: Ideogram.
“Billions Are Coming”: US Prepares for Biblical Cicada Swarm Not Seen in 17 Years as Ground Begins to Tremble
Illustration of the Red Dragon drone in flight, showcasing its advanced capabilities and design (AI-generated, unrealistic). Credit: Ideogram.
“America’s Suicide Drone Strikes Fast”: New Kamikaze Tech Hits 100 MPH and Launches in Seconds for Instant Kill Missions
Illustration of the NIKE laser facility being used to simulate extreme conditions for nuclear weapons (AI-generated, unrealistic). Credit: Ideogram.
“US Fires Up NIKE Laser Monster”: World’s Strongest Beam Now Tapped to Supercharge Next-Gen Nuclear Warheads
News by category
  • Featured
  • Cities
  • Climate
  • Energy
  • Impact
  • Markets
  • Opinions
  • Policy
  • Reports
  • Research
Information
  • About Us
  • Meet the Team
  • Advertise
  • Contact Us
  • Legal Mentions
  • Privacy Policy

Subscribe to News

Subscribe to our weekly newsletter to receive the very best articles of the moment, handpicked and delivered straight to your inbox.

Facebook X (Twitter) LinkedIn RSS
© Sustainability-Times.com. All rights reserved.

Type above and press Enter to search. Press Esc to cancel.