{
  "id": 4458571,
  "title": "The Guardian view on rare earths: it’s common sense to secure essential supply chains | Editorial",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/30/the-guardian-view-on-rare-earths-its-common-sense-to-secure-essential",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-08-30T16:30:01.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "The Guardian US",
    "slug": "the-guardian-us",
    "url": "https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2026/aug/30/the-guardian-view-on-rare-earths-its-common-sense-to-secure-essential-supply-chains"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "The rare earth industry has been outsourced to China, a situation that cannot persist, according to an editorial in The Guardian. The concern stems from the fact that Europe no longer has faith in the United States to provide a solution. The issue first gained attention in 2010 when China blocked exports of key rare earths to Japan over a dispute in the East China Sea. These critical minerals are integral to various sectors, including advanced weaponry, iPhones, electric vehicle batteries, and wind turbines. Consequently, the global community took notice but failed to take significant action. Despite this, China remains responsible for approximately 70% of global rare-earth mining and a staggering 90% of separation and processing activities. Recently, Beijing compelled Donald Trump to abandon his trade war, not through retaliatory tariffs, but by limiting rare-earth exports. This led to a widespread search for alternative sources of supplies. However, the year-long trade truce is set to conclude in November, prompting concerns about a potential resurgence of export controls. The price of erbium, a vital element for communications infrastructure, has already surged due to fears of renewed restrictions.",
  "summary": "Outsourcing the industry to China cannot continue, but Europe knows it can no longer count on the US for a solution The alarm sounded 16 years ago. In 2010, China blocked exports of key rare earths to Japan in a row over disputed islands in the East China Sea. The critical minerals are essential to everything from advanced weaponry and iPhones to electric vehicle batteries and wind turbines, so…",
  "key_points": [
    "Europe lacks trust in US to solve rare earth supply issue",
    "China controls 70% of global rare-earth mining and 90% of processing",
    "Erbium price spikes due to fears of renewed export controls"
  ],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}