As China curbs exports, US scours globe for rare earths – even war-torn Ukraine

President Donald Trump’s assertion that war-torn Ukraine should supply the US with rare earths is a sign of America’s growing resolve to end its dependence on China for critical minerals amid an escalating trade war between the two powers.

It also shows just how difficult it will be for Washington to achieve that feat.

The US leader, who took office less than three weeks ago, told a White House media briefing on Monday that his government was looking for a deal with Ukraine to secure rare earth minerals in exchange for military aid, according to multiple news outlets.

China dominates the global supply chain for rare earths, holding 60 per cent of the world’s reserves and accounting for 90 per cent of global processing. And it has increasingly begun to leverage this strategic advantage in its trade negotiations with the US.