China’s export restrictions on rare earths raise US national security concerns

The U.S. military needs rare earth minerals to function

but China's recently imposed restrictions on their export is raising national security concerns

Rare earths are 17 metallic elements essential in powering some of the most advanced

U.S. military technology, from fighter jet engines and missile guidance systems to compact motors in next-generation drones

Each F-35 fighter jet, for example, contains around 900 pounds of these materials

while some Marines can require more than 9,000 pounds. However, the U.S. has long depended on China for majority of its rare earth supply

and escalating trade tensions between the two nations is making it increasingly difficult to obtain them

Between 2020 and 2023, China accounted for 70 percent of all U.S. rare earth imports

China is also responsible for 61 percent of global mined rare earth production

and 92 percent of the world's processed rare earth output. But in response to recent tariff hikes imposed by the Trump administration against China, Beijing introduced new export restrictions requiring special licenses for the shipment of several heavy rare earths and rare earth magnets

A move which industry and defense officials described as a warning shot intended to remind the American government how much of its military's weaponry is reliant on China

These experts also cautioned Beijing could escalate from the licensing restrictions to impose tariffs, quotas, or even an all-out ban on rare earth shipments to the U.S

While the U.S. does have a stockpile of these critical materials should China decide to halt exports, military ysts say it would only last the country months

The Pentagon is continuing to build up its rare earths reserves and explore domestic alternatives

But the defense industry still says potential cost spikes and supply gaps may lie ahead amid this current conflict with China

For Straight Arrow News, I'm Jack Elmer