China trade war poses threat to US arms firms’ rare earths supply, analysts warn

Chinese restrictions could affect more than a dozen defence and aerospace firms and give Beijing crucial advantage'

America's advanced weapons manufacturers are likely to face a critical shortfall of key rare-earth minerals that they import from China as a consequence of Donald Trump's escalating trade war with Beijing.

New export licensing restrictions imposed by China on seven rare earths are like to cause disruptions in supply to more than a dozen US defence and aerospace companies involved in the production of everything from fighter jets to submarines and drones, the Center for Strategic and International Studies said in a commentary.