What are rare earth minerals, and why are they central to Trump’s threats against China?

Samples of rare-earth minerals from Baiyun'ebo or Bayan Obo mining district are on display at the Institute of Geology and Geophysics, Chinese Academy of Sciences (IGGCAS) on May 17, 2025 in Beijing, China. VCG/AP New York —

The US trade war with China has a major sticking point: rare earth minerals.

China increased its restrictions on its rare earth exports Thursday , leading US President Donald Trump to threaten economic retaliation and imply he would cancel a meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping during an upcoming visit to Asia.

The tussle over rare earths precedes the current administration; China for years has built up near-total control of the minerals as part of its wider industrial policy .

China’s restrictions are also seen as a response to Trump’s “rec