Imagine a game of chess where one player controls most of the key pieces. In the global technology arena, China holds a similar position with its dominance in rare earth elements—critical components in everything from smartphones to electric vehicles.
On June 6, 2025, in Beijing, Chinese authorities reaffirmed their control over rare earth exports, despite recent diplomatic overtures from the United States. This stance follows a 90-minute phone call between U.S. President Donald Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping, where both leaders agreed to resume trade negotiations.
President Trump announced that China would restart the flow of rare earth minerals, essential for various U.S. industries. However, Chinese officials did not confirm this in their statements, highlighting a discrepancy between the two nations’ narratives.
“There should no longer be any questions respecting the complexity of rare earth products,” President Trump stated after the call. He emphasized the importance of resolving the issue to stabilize global supply chains.
China accounts for approximately 70% of global rare earth mining and over 90% of processing. In April, Beijing imposed strict controls on the export of seven rare earth elements, citing national security concerns.
These developments underscore the strategic importance of rare earths in the ongoing U.S.-China trade tensions. As both nations prepare for trade talks in London on June 9, the control and export of these critical minerals remain a pivotal issue.
