The US trade war with China has a major sticking point: rare earths minerals. Last month, President Donald Trump said the United States needed Greenland “very badly,” renewing his threat to annex the Danish territory. Greenland is a resource-rich island with a plentiful supply of critical minerals, a category that also includes rare earths elements, under its ice sheet. Trump also signed a “rare earth deal” with Ukraine. The tussle over rare earths precedes the current administration. China for years has built up near-total control of the materials as part of its wider industrial policy. Here’s what you need to know about rare earths. What are rare earths, and are they actually ‘rare?’ Rare earths are 17 metallic elements in the periodic table made up of scandium, yttrium and the lanthanides. The name “rare earths” is a bit of a misnomer, as the materials are found throughout the Earth’s crust. They are more abundant than gold, but they are difficult and costly to extract and process, and also environmentally damaging. What are rare earths used for? Rare earths are ubiquitous in the technologies we rely on every day, from smartphones to wind turbines to LED lights and flat-screen TVs. They’re also crucial for batteries in electric vehicles as well as MRI scanners and cancer treatments. Rare earths are also essential for the US military. They’re used in F-35 fighter jets, submarines, lasers, satellites, Tomahawk missiles and more, according to a 2025 research note from CSIS. Where do rare earths come from? The International Energy Agency said 61% of mined rare earth production comes from China, and the country controls 92% of the global output in the processing stage. There’s two types of rare earths, categorized by their atomic weights: heavy and light. Heavy rare earths are more scarce, and the United States doesn’t have the capabilities for the tough task of separating rare earths after extraction. “Until the start of the year, whatever heavy rare earths we did mine in California, we still sent to China for separation,” Gracelin Baskaran, director of the Critical Minerals Security Program at the Center for Strategic and International Studies, told CNN. However, the Trump administration’s announcement of sky-high tariffs on China in April derailed this process. “China has shown a willingness to weaponize” America’s reliance on China for rare earths separation, she said. The US has one operational rare earth mine in California, according to Baskaran. Why do rare earths matter in the trade war? On Friday, Trump said on Truth Social that China violated a trade truce put in place last month. Beijing has kept its export controls on seven rare earth minerals and associated products, which were seen as a response to Trump’s “reciprocal tariffs” on Chinese goods announced in April. After agreeing on the truce in Geneva, US officials had expected China to ease export restrictions on those minerals. The export controls could have a major impact, since the US is heavily reliant on China for rare earths. Between 2020 and 2023, 70% of US imports of rare earth compounds and metals came from the country, according to a US Geological Survey report. Beyond China, rare earths are also featured in US foreign policy objectives with Ukraine, Greenland and Saudi Arabia. “Ukraine is a very, very nascent mining industry, and even though it was a part of the conversation, we don’t actually have a mapping of what’s economically viable,” Baskaran said.
What are rare earth minerals, and why are they central to Trump’s trade war?
TruthLens AI Suggested Headline:
"Rare Earth Minerals: A Key Factor in US-China Trade Relations and National Security"
CNN
7.2
TruthLens AI Summary
The ongoing trade tensions between the United States and China are significantly influenced by rare earth minerals, which are essential for various technologies and military applications. President Donald Trump's administration has sought to address the U.S. reliance on Chinese rare earths by exploring other resource-rich territories, such as Greenland, which is believed to hold substantial reserves of these critical minerals beneath its ice. The U.S. has also engaged in agreements with Ukraine to bolster its rare earth production capabilities. Despite the name, rare earths are not particularly scarce in the Earth's crust; they consist of 17 metallic elements, including scandium, yttrium, and lanthanides. However, they are challenging and costly to extract and process, which contributes to their economic and strategic importance. The U.S. military, in particular, relies on these materials for advanced technology, including fighter jets and missile systems, highlighting their critical role in national security.
The global landscape of rare earth production is heavily dominated by China, which accounts for approximately 61% of mined production and 92% of processing capabilities. The U.S. has only one operational rare earth mine, located in California, but it lacks the necessary infrastructure to separate these elements effectively after extraction. Recent trade policies, including the imposition of high tariffs on Chinese goods, have exacerbated tensions, as China has maintained export controls on several rare earth minerals in response. This situation poses significant risks for the U.S., given its dependence on Chinese imports for around 70% of its rare earth needs from 2020 to 2023. The complexities of these trade relations extend beyond China, as U.S. foreign policy also considers potential partnerships with nations like Ukraine and Saudi Arabia to secure alternative sources of these vital minerals. The interplay between trade policy, national security, and resource management illustrates the critical role that rare earths play in the current geopolitical climate.
TruthLens AI Analysis
The news article delves into the significance of rare earth minerals in the context of the ongoing trade tensions between the United States and China. It highlights recent comments made by former President Donald Trump regarding Greenland and a deal with Ukraine, emphasizing the strategic importance of these minerals.
Purpose of the Article
The article aims to inform readers about the critical role that rare earth minerals play in modern technology and military applications, while also framing the geopolitical landscape where these resources are contested. By linking Trump's comments to broader trade issues, it seeks to illustrate the urgency behind securing rare earth supplies for the U.S.
Public Perception
There is an attempt to foster awareness about the dependence on rare earths, particularly in technology and defense systems. This can create a sense of urgency among the public regarding the need for U.S. self-sufficiency in these materials, possibly leading to increased support for policies that prioritize domestic mining and processing.
Information Omission
While the article provides a comprehensive view of rare earths and their uses, it may downplay the environmental and geopolitical complexities associated with their extraction. By focusing primarily on the competition with China, it risks oversimplifying the intricacies of global resource management and environmental sustainability.
Manipulative Elements
The article has a moderate manipulative quality as it emphasizes the competitive narrative between the U.S. and China, potentially stirring nationalistic sentiments. Phrasing around Trump's comments might also aim to evoke emotional responses, leading readers to perceive a greater urgency in the U.S. securing these resources.
Truthfulness of Information
The information presented appears to be largely factual, with references to specific percentages and applications of rare earth minerals. However, the context provided may lead to a skewed understanding of the broader economic and environmental implications.
Societal Implications
The trade war narrative could lead to increased investments in domestic mining operations, potentially affecting job markets and the economy. It may also heighten tensions with China, influencing diplomatic relations and trade agreements.
Target Audience
This article likely appeals to individuals concerned with national security, technology enthusiasts, and policy-makers involved in trade and resource management. It may resonate particularly with communities advocating for energy independence and technological advancement.
Market Impact
The news could influence stock prices related to companies involved in rare earth mining and processing. Investors may react to the perceived urgency of securing these resources, potentially driving up the value of relevant stocks.
Geopolitical Context
The discussion surrounding rare earths ties directly into current global power dynamics and trade policies, making it relevant to ongoing discussions about U.S.-China relations. The implications of securing these resources are significant, particularly as nations compete for technological supremacy.
Artificial Intelligence Use
There is no clear indication that AI was used in crafting this article, but certain phrasing and structuring could suggest algorithmic influence in creating an engaging narrative. However, the human touch in the contextual framing indicates a more traditional journalistic approach.
Conclusion on Reliability
Overall, the article presents a reliable overview of rare earth minerals and their geopolitical significance, although it simplifies some complexities. The narrative emphasizes the urgency of addressing U.S. dependence on foreign sources, which reflects strategic national interests.