- China’s new export restrictions on rare earth minerals that are critical for U.S. military technology have raised national security concerns. The U.S. relies heavily on China, which supplies 70% of its rare earth imports and dominates global processing.
- Defense experts warn the restrictions could escalate to further trade actions, including potential bans that would disrupt vital U.S. military supply chains.
- The Pentagon is expanding domestic reserves and production, but analysts say current stockpiles would only last a few months if exports were fully cut off.
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Recent export restrictions imposed by China on key rare earth minerals could have a significant impact on the U.S. military. This move by Beijing has sparked national security concerns within the American defense community.
Why are rare earths so important?
Rare earths — comprised of 17 metallic elements — are vital components in advanced military technologies, including fighter jet engines, missile guidance systems and compact motors in next-generation drones. Each F-35 fighter jet, for instance, contains roughly 900 pounds of rare earth materials, while submarines can require more than 9,000 pounds, according to the Defense Department.
The United States has long depended on China for the majority of its rare earth supply. Between 2020 and 2023, China accounted for 70% of U.S. rare earth imports. Globally, China is responsible for 61% of mined rare earth elements and 92% of processed rare earth outputs.
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What are China’s new restrictions these exports?
In response to tariff increases imposed by the Trump administration, the Chinese government has implemented new export controls requiring special licenses for the shipment of six heavy rare earths, which are refined almost exclusively in China, as well as rare earth magnets, 90% of which are also produced in China.
What are the implications for military readiness?
This new policy has led to warnings from defense and industry officials, who view the move as a signal of China’s influence over critical supply chains that support the U.S. military. These experts have also expressed concern that China could take further action by introducing tariffs, setting export quotas or enacting a full ban on rare earth shipments to the U.S.
“Even before the latest restrictions, the U.S. defense industrial base struggled with limited capacity and lacked the ability to scale up production to meet defense technology demands,” the Washington-based Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS) wrote. “Further bans on critical minerals inputs will only widen the gap, enabling China to strengthen its military capabilities more quickly than the United States.”
What happens next?
Although the U.S. maintains a strategic stockpile of rare earth elements, analysts estimate it would only support military needs for a matter of months in the event of a complete supply cutoff.
The Pentagon is working to expand domestic production and processing capabilities while continuing to build reserves. However, defense industry leaders caution that disruptions amid the current trade conflict with China could still lead to increased costs and potential supply gaps.
