US Ceded Rare Earth Processing Dominance to China Through Decades of Cheaper Imports
Source Summary
The United States has become dependent on China for rare earth processing after decades of relying on cheaper imports eroded domestic capacity. This shift has left the US vulnerable in a sector critical to defense, technology, and renewable energy applications.
Why it matters
Dependence on a single foreign supplier for rare earth processing creates strategic vulnerability in industries essential to national defense and economic competitiveness.
