Rare Earth Elements and Chinas Dominance of the Global Market

The paper examines China's dominant control over the global supply of rare earth elements (REE) nearly two decades after Deng Xiaoping's remark about their significance. It highlights the impact of recent Chinese policies, including tax increases and export restrictions, which have led to rising prices and uncertainty for companies outside China. As Western mining efforts lag behind demand, some manufacturers are relocating their operations to China to secure access to these crucial materials, reflecting broader implications for global supply chains and economic policy.