Rare earth minerals

Rare earth minerals (REMs) are a group of 17 metallic elements essential for modern technology, found in the Earth's crust but rarely in concentrated deposits suitable for mining.

Imports of Yttrium—a key element for high-tech defense and industrial products—from China to the United States were halted completely after the April 2025 Chinese retaliation for American tariffs, and were not resumed by year's end. Before the restrictions, the United States purchased 93% of its yttrium directly from China, with the remaining 7% coming from countries that still processed Chinese raw materials. China's yttrium exports to the rest of the world have fallen by approximately 30%, and American stockpiles were running out. According to traders, US stockpiles plummeted from 200 tons to 5 tons. Industry estimates suggest this supply will only last less than a year.

Yttrium is not just an abstract chemical; it is a critical component for high-temperature superconductors, jet engines, lasers, missile systems, specialized ceramics, and protective coatings. A significant portion of the US military industrial complex depends on it.