China has imposed export restrictions on rare earth oxides, alloys, and magnets—including heavy rare earths—a few times in the past 12 months, starting in April 2025. These controls apply to the USA and all other countries, and have caused significant supply chain disruptions due to the new licensing regime and slow permit approvals.
The restrictions specifically focused on sintered neodymium-iron-boron (NdFeB) magnets containing dysprosium and terbium, which enhance heat resistance and magnetic stability, These magnets represent 87% of global manufacturing capacity, with China dominating production, By targeting processed magnets rather than raw ores, China maximized leverage while minimizing World Trade Organization (WTO) challenges.
China’s dominance—and recent weaponization—of rare earths and critical minerals has exposed acute vulnerabilities in global supply chains, manufacturing, and national security, especially for the US, EU, UK, Japan, and allied economies. A coordinated, multi-pronged response is essential to reduce dependency, build resilience, and ensure long-term access to these indispensable materials.
The world must treat China’s weaponization of rare earths and critical minerals as a long-term strategic challenge. Only by accelerating domestic capabilities, building robust international alliances, investing in innovation and recycling, and maintaining diplomatic engagement can nations reduce their vulnerability and secure the materials essential for economic prosperity, technological leadership, and national security.
Ionic Technologies, a subsidiary of Ionic Rare Earths, addresses global dependency on China’s rare earth elements (REEs) by pioneering advanced recycling technologies and circular supply chains. Through hydrometallurgical processes, strategic partnerships, and sustainable practices, the company provides high-purity magnet rare earth oxides (REOs) from end-of-life magnets and industrial waste, reducing reliance on Chinese exports and enhancing supply chain resilience.
Its recycling innovations, circular supply chains, and international partnerships provide a sustainable, secure alternative to primary mining. As nations prioritize decarbonization and supply chain resilience, Ionic’s model exemplifies how technology and collaboration can reduce geopolitical risks while advancing green industrialization, and collaboration between other REO companies through different supply chains, midstream and Magnet Manufacturing is creating robust, sustainable, and diversified rare earth supply chains across the globe. These efforts are directly countering China’s dominance by providing Western and allied industries with secure, traceable, and environmentally responsible alternatives for critical materials..... Who wants to rely on China!
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