US Commerce Department report begun in December 2017 has been released today

Commerce Department on Tuesday released a report requested by President Donald Trump in December 2017

  • US to take steps to ensure supply of rare earths in the event China has a plan to restrict exports of rare earths to the US if the trade war worsens

From the report

  • "If China or Russia were to stop exports to the United States and its allies for a prolonged period -- similar to China's rare earths embargo in 2010 -- an extended supply disruption could cause significant shocks throughout U.S. and foreign critical mineral supply chains."

recommends a number of steps

  • improving the government's understanding of domestic sources of rare earths
  • expediting approvals of mining permits

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'rare earths'

  • a group of 17 elements
  • China accounts for more than 70% of global output of rare earths