China’s Rare Earths Power Play: What the New Export Controls Mean

Rethinking Trade with Lori Wallach

China just announced new export controls on rare earths — the subset of critical minerals used to make high-power magnets essential for EVs, defense tech, and nearly every modern electronic device.

Lori Wallach breaks down why China’s grip on rare earths processing has become a global choke point 15 years in the making — and what this latest move signals for supply chains, allies, and U.S. leverage going forward.

Don't forget to also check out Katie Hettinga's write-up on Substack.