China Limits Exporting of Rare Earth Minerals to Other Countries

The United States, the European Union and Japan have filed a trade case over China's export restrictions, which limit the amounts of rare earth minerals China will export to other countries for the production of many high-tech devices. China produces 97% of all rare earths, according to the EU. The materials are used in products such as flat-screen televisions, smart phones, hybrid car batteries, wind turbines, energy-efficient lighting, electronics, cars and petroleum. For information on the production of these minerals in China, see the following U.S. Geological Survey Report. See the following testimony from Rep. Don Manzullo, Chairman of the House Committee on Foreign Affairs Subcommittee on Asia & the Pacific, which discusses the problems to the U.S. with China’s trade restrictions.