The Guardian view on rare earths: it’s common sense to secure essential supply chains | Editorial

The rare earths industry has been largely outsourced to China, raising concerns about the security of essential supply chains. This issue came to light in 2010 when China blocked exports of critical rare earths to Japan over disputed islands in the East China Sea. Rare earth elements are crucial for a wide range of modern technologies, including advanced weaponry, iPhones, electric vehicle batteries, and wind turbines.

As a result, the global community took notice but failed to take decisive action. China continues to control approximately 70% of rare-earth mining worldwide and 90% of the separation and processing of these minerals.

In recent times, Beijing pressured Donald Trump to abandon his trade war with China, not through retaliatory tariffs, but by limiting rare-earth exports. This development prompted a global search for alternative sources of these essential materials. The trade truce, which lasted for a year, is set to end in November. Consequently, the price of erbium, a vital component in communications infrastructure, has surged due to concerns that export controls may be reinstated.