U.S. Military Faces Supply Crisis as China Controls Rare Earth Mineral Exports

In a move that has sent shockwaves through the global defense industry, China has imposed restrictions on the export of critical rare earth minerals, particularly those used in advanced military applications.

This decision poses a significant threat to U.S. national security, with particular implications for the availability of essential components used in military hardware, including the F-35 fighter jets and guided ballistic missiles.

The New York Times reports that certain rare earth magnets, crucial for the operation of engines and guidance systems, are at the forefront of this potential supply crisis.

Military Tech at Risk as China Limits Rare Earth Mineral Exports

China currently dominates the production of these materials, accounting for approximately 90% of the global supply. A mere 17 elements constitute rare earths, and six of the most critical are refined exclusively in China, giving Beijing considerable leverage over American military capabilities. This has raised alarms in Washington, as the nation’s dependence on imported rare earths has far-reaching implications for its defense strategy.

Chinese officials now require export licenses for rare earths sent to the U.S., which is anticipated to drive up costs and complicate supply chains for American defense contractors. Analysts caution that despite some U.S. efforts to bolster domestic rare earth production, including the reopening of the Mountain Pass mine in California, these initiatives are insufficient to meet military demands in the face of potential long-term disruptions.

The recent escalation is not unprecedented; the U.S. has navigated critical supply interruptions in the past, such as during World War II. Currently, voices like those from the American Enterprise Institute suggest that existing U.S. strategic reserves would only last for a few months, underscoring the urgent need for a diversified and resilient supply chain.

Failure to do so risks undermining America’s military technological superiority and could lead to a more profound crisis as tensions with China continue to escalate.