<
https://theconversation.com/in-the-trade-war-china-has-moved-to-curb-supply-of-critical-minerals-can-australia-seize-the-moment-254574>
"In the escalating trade war between the United States and China, one notable
exception stood out: 31 critical minerals, including rare earth elements, were
strategically exempted from tariffs.
This was not a gesture of goodwill. It was a tacit acknowledgment of the United
States’ deep dependence on China for materials essential to its technological
competitiveness, clean energy transition and national defence.
Beijing’s response was swift and calculated. China’s Ministry of Commerce
announced expanded export controls and a shift in pricing principles. The move
reflects China’s long-standing effort to shift rare earth pricing from market
supply and demand to pricing based on their strategic value.
The impact was immediate. Rare earth exports from China effectively ground to a
halt, as exporters awaited approvals under a new, opaque licensing regime.
The announcement prompted President Trump to issue a new executive order
directing a review of national security risks stemming from the US reliance on
imported, processed critical minerals.
As global supply chains reel from these disruptions, Australia finds itself in
a unique strategic position. As a trusted US ally, it possesses the resources,
partnerships and political capital to step into the breach. But can Australia
seize this opportunity – or will it come with strings attached?"
Cheers,
*** Xanni ***
--
mailto:xanni@xanadu.net Andrew Pam
http://xanadu.com.au/ Chief Scientist, Xanadu
https://glasswings.com.au/ Partner, Glass Wings
https://sericyb.com.au/ Manager, Serious Cybernetics
