'''Rare earth minerals''' are a group of 17 [[metal]]lic [[element]]s 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]] [[tariff]]s, and were mot 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 [[superconductor]]s, jet engines, [[laser]]s, [[missile]] systems, specialized ceramics, and protective coatings. A significant portion of the US defense industry depends on it.