China may weaponise rare earths
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China is signalling that it may use rare earths exports as leverage in the trade war with the U.S., as tensions between the two powers escalate
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Around 80% of rare earths imported by U.S. comes from China
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PRODUCTION (tonnes, 2018)

China 120,000  China accounts for 70% of global output
U.S. 20,000
Australia 15,000
Total* 170,000

Myanmar: 5,000
Russia: 2,600
India: 1,800
Brazil: 1,000 
Burundi: 1,000 
Thailand: 1,000 
Vietnam: 400 
Malaysia: 200
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RESERVES (million tonnes, 2018)
Total: 120m* 

Other 8.3
U.S. 1.4
Australia 3.4
India 6.9
Russia 12
Vietnam 22 
Brazil 22
China  44  
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WHAT ARE RARE EARTHS?
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17 elements – scandium, yttrium and 15 lanthanide elements – prized for unique magnetic and electrochemical properties
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Vital in making wide range of products, including cancer treatment drugs, smartphones, sensors for missile systems and renewable energy technologies
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Not actually very rare, but difficult to find in concentrations large enough for economical extraction
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Designated as “critical” by U.S. Geological Survey for economy and national defence
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 Source: U.S. Geological Survey *rounded up Pictures: AP, Getty Images © GRAPHIC NEWS