China holds a near-monopoly in the processing of the elements crucial for making everything from smartphones to fighter jets.

Last week, China’s Ministry of Commerce published a document that went by the name of “announcement No. 62 of 2025”.

But this wasn’t just any bureaucratic missive. It has rocked the fragile tariffs truce with the US.

The announcement detailed sweeping new curbs on its rare earth exports, in a move that tightens Beijing’s grip on the global supply of the critical minerals - and reminded Donald Trump just how much leverage China holds in the trade war.

China has a near-monopoly in the processing of rare earths - crucial for the production of everything from smartphones to fighter jets.

    • SpaceCowboy@lemmy.caEnglish
      31·
      6 hours ago

      Actually, I got the information about China’s handling of toxic waste from processing rare earths from Australian news (ABC).

      Where do you get your information from? Some influencer on TikTok? Those people are for entertainment only and consider who’s choosing which content you see.