‘Dependence on China for uncommon earths requires a united entrance, which Trump has weakened’

Introduction: The Geopolitical Tightrope of Rare Earths

The global demand for rare earth minerals—critical components in everything from smartphones to electric vehicles—has thrust geopolitics into uncharted territory. China’s near-monopolistic control over the rare earth supply chain, combined with recent export restrictions, has exposed vulnerabilities in Western economies. Meanwhile, former U.S. President Donald Trump’s policies that prioritized tariffs over strategic collaboration have inadvertently deepened America’s reliance on foreign adversaries. This article dissects how fractured international cooperation, exacerbated by Trump’s confrontational tactics, has left the West scrambling to counterbalance China’s dominance in one of the 21st century’s most strategic resources.

Analysis: A Perfect Storm of Policy Missteps

The Rise of Chinese Dominance in Rare Earths

For decades, China transformed itself into the world’s rare earth powerhouse, hoarding expertise