As of January 15, 2026, the U.S. government has officially implemented 25% tariffs on critical minerals and processed rare earth products imported from China.
- The Conflict: This move aims to protect domestic supply chains but has led to a spike in the cost of high-performance magnets used in Electric Vehicles (EVs) and wind turbines.
- China’s Countermove: China has responded by tightening export licenses for Heavy Rare Earths (specifically Dysprosium and Terbium), making it harder for international tech firms to source these essential components for high-end electronics.