China tightens rare-earth leverage by targeting MP Materials and USA Rare Earth

China added MP Materials and USA Rare Earth to its export-control list, barring dual-use goods to the two firms as part of a broader retaliation-and-leverage move while the U.S. expands sanctions on Chinese firms tied to the military. Rare earths power magnets critical for EVs and defense, and China processes most of the world’s supply, giving Beijing significant sway. MP Materials, backed by Apple and the Pentagon, had already cut shipments to China, and Bloomberg described Monday’s curbs as largely symbolic, with tighter export rules anticipated in November. Investors largely shrugged as the market reaction was muted.