China Tightens Its Hold on Minerals Needed to Make Computer Chips

Published On Oct 26, 2024, 5:00 AM

China's grip on the mining and refining of rare earth minerals is tightening, as the government has imposed new export restrictions aimed at making it more difficult for foreign companies, especially semiconductor manufacturers, to access these critical materials. The recent regulations require exporters to provide detailed accounting of how the minerals are used in Western supply chains, further increasing Beijing's control over the distribution of these resources. Additionally, the last two foreign-owned rare earth refineries in China are being acquired by state-owned companies, enhancing China's dominance in the market.