Beijing Tightens Grip on U.S. Rare-Earths, Foreshadowing Trade Clash

China’s Ministry of Commerce barred Chinese suppliers from shipping certain rare-earth metals to two U.S. firms, MP Materials and USA Rare Earth, targeting America’s effort to rebuild a domestic magnet supply chain. Given China’s dominance of light and heavy rare earths, the move raises the risk of a broader trade clash as Washington continues to invest in domestic production and the global supply chain, against a backdrop of prior export controls and IP disputes.