China's dominance leaves US vulnerable, as critical minerals...

China's dominance leaves US vulnerable, as critical minerals become political

After US President Donald Trump launched his tariff war on China, with imposts rising to 145 per cent, Beijing slapped a ban on the export of heavy rare earths to the US, the very elements that are vital not only to America's military defence systems but to its continued lead in high-tech industries.



Such overwhelming supply domination, and the pricing power that comes with it, has raised questions over whether governments should continue to allow market forces to determine the supply of materials vital for national security and development in an increasingly divided world.

Hence, the Albanese government's initiative to help fund a critical minerals stockpile, to create a local industry and to expand negotiating leverage with an increasingly capricious US government on trade negotiations.

https://www.abc.net.au/news/2025-04...um=content_shared&utm_source=abc_news_web