Big US vulnerability! China’s strict export control on a rare earth mineral has given America a headache – how will it make missiles, fighter jets? – OXBIG NEWS NETWORK-OxBig News Network

China’s monopoly and stringent control on rare earth minerals is causing a major military problem for the US, and it doesn’t seem that this vulnerability is going to be addressed any time soon. The United States and its European allies face substantial difficulties in getting heat-resistant magnets, which are required to replenish their diminished stockpiles of military equipment without access to these essential components.Recent disruptions to samarium come amidst urgent efforts by the US and European allies to restore their advanced weapons inventories. These stockpiles have been considerably reduced due to support provided to Ukraine following Russia’s invasion, and in the American case, through military assistance to Israel during the Gaza Strip conflict.The Big US WorryThe United States has been unsuccessful for over ten years in establishing an alternative source to China’s provision of specific rare earth materials, which are essential for producing magnets used in missiles, smart bombs, fighter jets, and various other defence equipment, according to a New York Times report. China maintains exclusive global production of samarium, which is an uncommon rare earth element primarily utilised in defence applications. Samarium magnets retain their magnetic properties even at temperatures sufficient to liquefy lead. These magnets are crucial in high-speed electric motors operating in confined spaces, particularly in missile nose cones.The rare earth minerals situation is a key point of discussion in the ongoing trade negotiations between the United States and China in London.What’s China’s rare earths export ban about?On April 4, Chinese authorities announced export restrictions on seven rare earth metals and their magnetic derivatives. China dominates the global market for these materials. China’s Commerce Ministry stated these materials serve both civilian and military purposes, requiring special licensing for future exports. The ministry indicated this decision aims to protect national security interests and adhere to international non-proliferation commitments.The ministry has started issuing permits for magnets containing dysprosium and terbium to automotive manufacturers in Europe and the United States. These magnets, essential for brake and steering mechanisms, can endure heat from conventional engines but prove inadequate for military-grade heat requirements. However, there are no indications of approved samarium exports, a material with limited civilian applications.Also Read | Explained: China’s monopoly on rare earth minerals spooking the world; what does it mean for India & what is it doing?The Donald Trump administration seeks to enhance military aid to Taiwan, a democratic nation that China considers its territory. In response, Beijing has not only restricted rare earth exports for defence purposes but also sanctioned specific US defence contractors involved in Taiwan-related deals.The Chinese sanctions prohibit domestic firms and citizens from conducting financial transactions with these US defence contractors. Initially, these restrictions had minimal impact on samarium trade since China exported the metal to chemical firms, who combined it with cobalt before selling to magnet producers, who then supplied it to military contractors.Will China relent?Chinese and American officials are in the midst of trade discussions in London, focusing on rare earth materials. Whilst the United States prioritises resuming rare earth imports, analysts believe China is unlikely to abandon its newly implemented export licensing regime.“I don’t think that’s going away,” said Michael Hart, the president of the American Chamber of Commerce in China, who is coordinating the US private sector’s efforts in Beijing to obtain more rare earth materials.Lockheed Martin, a prominent aerospace and defence contractor, is the primary American consumer of samarium, utilising approximately 50 pounds of samarium magnets in each F-35 fighter jet.Earlier, the Biden administration’s apprehension regarding the absence of domestic samarium production led to substantial contracts for two production facilities. However, these facilities remained unrealised due to business viability concerns, leaving America completely reliant on Chinese supply.Also Read | Will the Donald Trump administration be forced to give billions of dollars in tariff refunds?The ‘Widespread’ problem of rare earth mineralsThe problem of rare earth minerals is not just limited to supply of samarium. Critical minerals and metals such as cobalt, copper, lithium, nickel and rare earth elements serve as fundamental materials in the production of sustainable energy technologies, ranging from wind turbines to electric vehicles with battery systems.China maintains its position on rare earth export restrictions, despite increasing diplomatic pressure from various nations, including India, the United States and European Union.The Indian automotive industry has expressed growing concerns about the scarcity of rare earth magnets, which are crucial components in both electric vehicles and specific parts of traditional combustion engine vehicles.Indian industrial sectors are particularly worried about China’s export controls on rare earth materials, specifically germanium, which is a key element in semiconductor manufacturing, fibre optic cables and solar panel production.The International Energy Agency’s data reveals China’s commanding position in rare earth elements, controlling 92% of global production despite mining only 61% of the world’s supply.Officials from India and multiple nations have confirmed ongoing dialogues with Chinese governmental bodies concerning these supply chain issues.India’s Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal has emphasised the risks associated with critical minerals being geographically concentrated, warning that such consolidation could hamper nations’ economic development.