China Imposes New Export Controls on Rare Earths, U.S. Officials Respond

Beijing today announced new export controls on rare earth metals, a move U.S. officials are characterizing as a retaliatory measure amid ongoing trade tensions.

The restrictions, announced on 2025-10-15, target shipments of rare earth elements crucial for manufacturing a wide range of high-tech products, including electric vehicles and defense systems. U.S. Commerce Secretary Greer strongly condemned the action, stating, “China will be hurt the most if it doesn’t surrender these coercive tactics.” The announcement follows a recent ban imposed by China on certain U.S. shipping, further escalating the trade dispute.

Secretary Bessent echoed Greer’s sentiment, asserting the U.S. “will neither be commanded nor controlled” by China. “This is a global power grab,” Bessent said, adding that the administration is prepared to respond with “triple-digit tariffs” if the restrictions are not lifted. The U.S. currently relies on China for a significant portion of its rare earth supply, creating a vulnerability that Washington has been attempting to address through diversification efforts, including bolstering domestic mining and processing capabilities – a process detailed in a recent Department of Energy report.

The move by China comes after years of building its dominance in the rare earth market, a strategy that began well before the current trade conflict. Analysts at the Council on Foreign Relations suggest the controls are intended to pressure the U.S. to ease restrictions on technology exports to China. Officials indicated further discussions are planned, but no immediate negotiations are scheduled.