1 day ago

US Prioritizes Rare-Earth Licences, Bilateral Trade Board Ahead of Summit

The United States needs special minerals called rare earths to make products such as cars, electronics, medical devices, and military equipment.

China processes most of these minerals worldwide.

China has required licences for some exports, and shipments have sometimes been delayed or stopped.

This has made American companies worry about getting enough supplies.

The United States is building its own processing capacity, but that will take years.

American officials therefore want China to make export approvals faster and more predictable.

The two countries are also discussing a Board of Trade made up of senior officials.

That board would help monitor agreements and consider lowering tariffs on some goods.

Key facts

China’s refining share: China controls approximately 90% of global rare-earth refining.
Heavy rare-earth processing: China controls nearly all processing of heavy rare earths, according to the article.
Licensing timeline: Beijing has used export licensing for elements including dysprosium, gadolinium, and yttrium since April 2025.
Affected industries: Autos, aerospace, medical devices, semiconductors, advanced manufacturing, and defence rely on constrained materials.
US diversification: New US processing capacity is being developed, but meaningful diversification is expected to take years.
Proposed trade body: The bilateral Board of Trade would identify non-sensitive goods for possible tariff reductions and oversee implementation.
Supply disruptions: The article reports that shipments to the United States, Japan, and Germany have been reduced or disrupted amid geopolitical tensions.

wionews.com · 1 day ago