China’s Rare Earths Curbs Put Multiple US Industries at Risk (1)

China is imposing new export controls on several rare earth elements and related products that are crucial components for defense and technology, and have become a focal point for US President Donald Trump.

The controls announced Friday are expected to have broad impacts on US companies because the elements are used in optical lasers, radar devices, high-powered magnets for wind turbines, jet engine coatings, communications and other advanced technologies.

China is the world’s dominant supplier of the rare earths and is responsible for almost 70% of global production, according to estimates by the US Geological Survey. China accounted ...