Tuesday, January 13, 2026- The United States is intensifying efforts to reduce its dependence on China for rare earth elements and other critical minerals, a move with major implications for global technology, energy, and defense supply chains.
U.S. officials are engaging closely with partners across the G7, the European Union, Australia, India, South Korea, and Mexico to accelerate diversification away from China, which continues to dominate global refining capacity. These minerals are essential for semiconductors, electric vehicles, renewable energy systems, batteries, and advanced defense technologies, sectors where demand is rising rapidly.
Despite years of discussion, Washington is increasingly frustrated by the slow pace of action among allied nations. Apart from Japan, few countries have moved decisively to secure alternative supply chains. U.S. policymakers warn that overreliance on a single supplier creates serious strategic and economic risks. The push now is for faster investment in domestic mining and processing, expanded partnerships with resource-rich allies, and stronger coordination to build resilient, non-Chinese supply networks.
The urgency has been amplified by recent export restrictions imposed by China, underscoring how geopolitical tensions can quickly disrupt global markets. While no immediate joint action has been finalized, U.S. leaders are pressing for concrete commitments and timelines.
As competition intensifies and demand for critical minerals accelerates, reducing reliance on China is emerging as one of Washington’s most pressing strategic priorities, with consequences likely to reshape global supply chains in the near term.
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