China Controls 95% of Rare Earth Magnets Needed to Refill US Missiles
Updated
Updated · Mint · May 6
China Controls 95% of Rare Earth Magnets Needed to Refill US Missiles
4 articles · Updated · Mint · May 6
Five to 10 metric tons of defense-grade rare earth magnets are needed to replenish key US missile stocks, and more than 95% would have to come from China, according to the report.
That exposure follows heavy recent weapons use: the US is said to have burned through 45% of its Precision Strike Missiles, half of its THAAD interceptors, nearly half of Patriot PAC-3 inventory and about 30% of Tomahawks.
China’s grip runs through specific materials and components — it mines and refines 99% of the world’s Samarium, supplied 93% of US Yttrium imports, and dominates Dysprosium and terbium used in Tomahawk, Patriot and JASSM systems.
The article frames that leverage as the product of long-term industrial policy: China’s 2021-25 and upcoming 2026-30 plans prioritize self-reliance and leadership in AI, robotics, EVs, biotech, 6G, quantum technology and other strategic sectors.
As China controls critical defense minerals, can the US rearm itself without relying on its main strategic rival?
China is commercializing brain-computer interfaces and quantum tech. Is the West falling behind in the industries of the future?
With conflicting US and Chinese laws, must global companies now choose a side in the escalating tech war?
2025 Rare Earth Shock: How China’s Export Controls Jeopardize US Military Readiness and Global Tech Supply Chains
Overview
In 2025, China tightened rare earth export controls, demanding proof of non-military use and issuing single-use licenses. This marked a major shift in global supply chains, as China’s dominance in rare earth processing allowed it to disrupt US defense manufacturing, especially for fighter jets and missile systems. The US and its allies responded by investing in domestic production and building international partnerships, but technical, regulatory, and market challenges remain. China’s willingness to weaponize its control over these critical minerals highlights the urgent need for diversified and resilient supply chains to protect national security and economic stability.