Why China is restricting rare earth exports ahead of Xi’s meeting with Trump

Ahead of a scheduled meeting between US President Donald Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping, China has once again imposed restrictions on its rare earth exports, a move seen as a strategic economic and political leverage point. China dominates the global market, providing over 90 percent of the world’s processed rare earth metals and mineral magnets, and is using export controls to limit the supply of these critical materials. The new regulations stipulate that foreign companies relying on Chinese rare earth materials or equipment could face a supply cut-off if they violate the rules, creating a “warning” that is expected to accelerate ongoing efforts in the United States and Europe to find alternative supply sources.

Source Based on reporting from Prothom Alo