As the global demand for technology, clean energy, and defense innovations continues to grow, the U.S. is increasingly dependent on rare earth elements.
These critical minerals, often found in remote regions, are vital for manufacturing electronics, electric vehicles, and military systems.
These are the rare earths the U.S. can’t afford to overlook.
Fair warning, the following photos might get a little … rocky (yes, I’m very funny, thank you, no, no hold your applause please).
Neodymium (Nd)
Neodymium is crucial for electric vehicle motors, wind turbines, and defense systems. Tariffs on neodymium imports would increase manufacturing costs for U.S. tech and clean energy industries, slowing down adoption and innovation. Since China dominates production, tariffs could limit access and drive up prices, affecting U.S. technological competitiveness.
Dysprosium (Dy)
Dysprosium improves the performance of neodymium magnets. Tariffs on dysprosium could severely impact the U.S. manufacturing sector, especially in EVs, aerospace, and defense systems. Increased tariffs may drive up the cost of magnets, hurting companies that rely on these materials for high-tech applications, especially as China controls production.
Terbium (Tb)
Terbium is used in phosphors for energy-efficient lighting and electronics. Tariffs on this material could hinder U.S. efforts to boost clean energy technologies and high-efficiency lighting, increasing costs for manufacturers and slowing down industry growth. With limited supply from China, tariffs would exacerbate supply chain challenges and cost inflation.
Samarium (Sm)
Samarium is essential for aerospace and defense magnets. U.S. reliance on Chinese exports means tariffs could disrupt access, increasing costs for defense contractors and manufacturers of high-performance motors. Given its critical role in defense tech, tariffs would heighten national security risks by limiting production of critical components.
Yttrium (Y)
Yttrium is used in superconductors and LED lights. Imposing tariffs on yttrium could slow down the development of green technologies, such as energy-efficient lighting, and impede progress in high-tech industries. As China holds a dominant share of production, U.S. manufacturers would face higher costs and supply delays.
Gadolinium (Gd)
Gadolinium is used in MRI scans and nuclear reactors. Tariffs on gadolinium could disrupt the healthcare and energy sectors by raising costs for MRI equipment and reducing access to critical components for nuclear power generation. Since China is a major producer, tariffs could harm U.S. medical and energy markets.
Lutetium (Lu)
Lutetium is vital in petroleum refining and medical imaging. If tariffs are imposed, costs for U.S. petroleum refining and diagnostic technologies would increase, disrupting both industries. The scarcity of lutetium, combined with Chinese dominance, means that tariff hikes could force U.S. companies to find costly alternative sources.
Scandium (Sc)
Scandium is essential for aerospace alloys and fuel cells. Increased tariffs would raise the cost of producing advanced aerospace materials and fuel cell technologies in the U.S., delaying the development of next-gen vehicles and energy systems. Since China is a dominant supplier, tariffs would further reduce access and increase prices.
Erbium (Er)
Erbium plays a critical role in fiber optic communications and nuclear technology. U.S. telecom and energy sectors would be affected by tariffs, leading to higher costs for fiber optic systems and nuclear reactors. Given China’s key role in erbium production, tariffs would disrupt supply chains, delaying key infrastructure projects.
Holmium (Ho)
Holmium is essential in nuclear reactors and high-strength magnets. Tariffs would increase production costs for both energy and defense sectors in the U.S. Holmium’s limited availability and China’s control over supply mean tariffs could exacerbate these challenges, making critical technologies more expensive and less accessible for U.S. industries.
