China has imposed new export controls on rare earth elements and related products, which could significantly impact the US tech industry. The move is expected to affect multiple industries, including defense, optics, and renewable energy.
The controls, announced Friday, target several critical components used in advanced technologies such as optical lasers, radar devices, high-powered magnets for wind turbines, jet engine coatings, and communications systems. These elements are crucial for the production of cutting-edge technologies that have become a focal point of US President Donald Trump’s concerns about China’s economic influence.
The implications of these controls could be far-reaching, with several US companies potentially facing significant challenges or disruptions to their operations due to reduced access to key materials.
Source: https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2025-04-04/china-s-rare-earths-curbs-put-multiple-us-industries-at-risk