China chokes flow of critical rare minerals to Western weapons contractors
WSJ.COM
'90% of rare earths'
SUMMARY

China’s tightened export controls on rare earths and minerals like germanium, gallium, and antimony cripple U.S. defense manufacturing. Supplying 90% of global rare earths, Beijing’s restrictions since December delayed drone parts orders by two months, with samarium prices surging 60 times higher.

Leonardo DRS’s CEO Bill Lynn warned, “In order to sustain timely product deliveries, material flow must improve,” as germanium stocks for infrared sensors in missiles dwindle. Over 80,000 Defense Department parts rely on Chinese-controlled minerals, per Govini, exposing supply chain fragility. Weapons contractors supplying the U.S.

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