China has escalated its control over vital mineral exports in retaliation to U.S. tariffs, intensifying global supply chain fears as it tightens curbs on rare earths, battery metals, and strategic technologies critical for defence and green energy.
China has intensified its control over key strategic mineral exports in response to U.S. tariffs, raising global concerns over supply chain vulnerabilities. On Friday, Beijing added several rare earth elements to its export control list, signalling its readiness to weaponise its dominance in critical mineral markets.
The restrictions follow a series of curbs introduced since 2023. In February, China required export licences for products related to tungsten, tellurium, bismuth, indium, and molybdenum—metals vital for defence and clean energy industries. January saw proposals to limit technology exports for processing lithium, gallium, and battery components.
Last December, China outright banned exports of antimony, gallium, and germanium to the U.S. These metals are essential for electronics, solar tech, and defence systems. China controls up to 90% of global refining for these elements.
Also in 2023, China restricted graphite exports—critical for electric vehicle batteries—and banned the export of rare earth magnet manufacturing technology. With near-total dominance over rare earths refining, China’s moves are forcing Western firms to rethink sourcing and bolster domestic capabilities.
As trade tensions deepen, these strategic controls could reshape global supply chains and accelerate the race for mineral independence.
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The Philippines remains under a "severe threat" from China despite recent efforts by Washington and Beijing to ease tensions, Philippine Defence Secretary Gilberto Teodoro said on Saturday (30 May).
Russia has recalled its ambassador to Armenia for consultations, citing Yerevan's growing rapprochement with the European Union. The move is seen as the latest sign of deteriorating relations between the longtime allies ahead of Armenia's parliamentary election on 7 June.
Thai rescuers say five people have been pulled alive from a flooded cave in remote Laos, where seven villagers became trapped after heavy rain cut off access underground.
Start your day informed with the AnewZ Morning Brief. Here are the top stories for 30 May, covering the latest developments you need to know.
A group of Azerbaijani civil society organisations has called for increased scrutiny of Swiss building materials giant Holcim, citing court rulings and ongoing investigations linked to its subsidiary Lafarge's activities during the Syrian conflict.
The World Health Organization (WHO) says ongoing conflict, funding pressures and international travel restrictions are complicating efforts to contain a fast-growing Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).
Thai rescuers say five people have been pulled alive from a flooded cave in remote Laos, where seven villagers became trapped after heavy rain cut off access underground.
Russia and Kazakhstan signed 15 agreements during President Vladimir Putin’s state visit to Astana on Thursday (28 May), including deals on Kazakhstan’s first nuclear power plant and expanded oil cooperation with Russia.
European companies are continuing to deepen their presence in China, with nearly seven in ten firms maintaining or expanding their supply chains despite global efforts to diversify, according to a new survey by the EU Chamber of Commerce.
BP has removed its chair, Albert Manifold, with immediate effect, citing concerns over governance and conduct. The company said its board had unanimously decided that Manifold should no longer serve as chair or director.
The dual-class share structure outlined in SpaceX’s initial public offering (IPO) filing, which gives chief executive Elon Musk outsized control, has reignited one of Wall Street’s longest-running debates over corporate governance.
Kevin Warsh will be sworn in as chair of the U.S. Federal Reserve on Friday as policymakers consider higher interest rates to tackle inflation linked to the Trump administration’s Iran policy.
A government-mediated agreement has suspended an 18-day walkout by about 48,000 Samsung union members, easing fears of damage to South Korea's economy and global chip supply.
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