China's Export Restrictions on Rare Earth Elements Threaten U.S. Military Readiness Amid Trade Tensions

In recent developments, the Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS) has raised alarms about national security risks stemming from China's new restrictions on rare earth element (REE) exports, implemented as a countermeasure to the trade actions initiated by the Trump administration. This newly imposed embargo applies to seven critical REEs, essential for several U.S. defense technologies. These elements, including samarium, gadolinium, and terbium, are integral components in advanced weaponry such as F-35 fighter jets, Virginia-class submarines, and various missile systems. The U.S. defense industrial base is already struggling with limited manufacturing capabilities, and with China controlling around 99 percent of the global heavy REE processing market, the implications of these restrictions are profound. The CSIS indicates that the U.S. is falling behind—not only in the production of military hardware but also in competing with China’s rapidly expanding military capabilities which are being developed at a pace five to six times faster than that of the United States. This growing gap may further hinder America’s ability to project power globally. Export restrictions announced by China also target 16 U.S. companies, primarily within the defense sector, restricting their access to vital materials. Such measures force the U.S. to reconsider its supply chain strategies. While the Department of Defense has committed to establishing a domestic supply chain to reduce dependence on China by 2027, progress remains slow due to the complex nature of developing mining and processing capacities from scratch. Moreover, efforts to create alternative partnerships with allied nations are highlighted as a potential pathway to mitigate these supply chain vulnerabilities. Currently, Australia and other countries are working to advance their rare earths sectors, but significant challenges remain in refining capabilities and production volumes. The prospect of U.S. independence in this strategic area is a long-term goal that will require ongoing investment and collaboration. The entire situation underscores a glaring strategic oversight by the Trump administration in reigniting tensions that have far-reaching consequences on U.S. national security and defense readiness. As the geopolitical landscape shifts, the U.S. may face increasing difficulties in securing the necessary resources for its military and technological advancements, marking a critical need for a cohesive strategy to tackle reliance on foreign—especially adversarial—sources.