As U.S. policymakers weigh strategies to reduce dependence on Chinese rare-earth processing, Venezuela’s vast but poorly surveyed mineral belt has resurfaced in policy discussions as a possible alternative source. Yet experts and public data warn the reality is messy: geological potential exists, but proven rare-earth reserves and reliable valuations are scarce, making any quick U.S. […]
As China barred exports of so-called dual-use goods to Japan that could be applied to military ends, Japan has to urgently search for alternative sources and simultaneously explore its own rare-earth-rich mud from the deep seabed near the remote Minamitorishima Island, in a landmark experiment aimed at strengthening access to critical minerals amid growing geopolitical and […]
The rare earths sector moved decisively into the geopolitical and strategic spotlight in 2025, as governments and markets increasingly treated these minerals as critical assets rather than ordinary industrial inputs. The year opened with China reaffirming tight regulatory oversight of rare earth mining, refining and exports, underlining its continued dominance in a supply chain that […]
China has announced a ban on the export of dual-use goods to Japan when such items are intended for military purposes, in a fresh move that sharpens already strained ties between the two neighbours. The decision was disclosed by China’s Ministry of Commerce late on Monday and takes effect immediately. Under the new rule, exporters […]
Demand for rare earth magnets is expected to grow steadily in 2026, led by EVs, renewables and defence. China’s dominance in refining will continue to be the main source of price volatility and supply risk. New supply outside China will expand gradually but is unlikely to ease market tightness in the near term. Geopolitics and […]
The global rare earth industry in 2025 entered a markedly different phase compared with a decade earlier, shaped by geopolitics, accelerating energy transition demand and sustained efforts to reduce dependence on China-dominated supply chains. What had once been a cyclical niche market increasingly took on strategic significance for governments and manufacturers alike. China remained the […]
Asian rare earth stocks surged after China imposed new dual-use export bans on Japan. Analysts say upstream producers outside China could benefit. Japanese auto, machinery and defence stocks fell amid concerns over higher costs. Asian rare earth-related shares rallied sharply on Wednesday after China announced fresh export restrictions targeting Japan, stoking concerns over supply chain […]
Japan sharply criticized Beijing on Wednesday after China imposed new restrictions on the export of dual-use items to Tokyo, branding the move “absolutely unacceptable and deeply regrettable” as tensions rise between the two economic powers. The dispute has drawn attention to a broader risk that China might extend controls to critical rare earth materials. Dual-use […]