With China accounting for 80% of rare-earth imports into the U.S., Ukraine could benefit from Washington’s growing nervousness about supplies,

With China accounting for 80% of rare-earth imports into the U.S., Ukraine could benefit from Washington’s growing nervousness about supplies, mining experts say. Rare earths are essential for production of goods ranging from smart phones to fighter jets. “China is exploring whether it can hurt U.S. defense contractors by limiting supplies of rare-earth minerals that are critical to the industry,” the Financial Times reported Tuesday. Chinese rare earth producers told the FT that Chinese government officials had asked them how badly US and EU companies would be affected if China restricts rare-earth exports during bilateral disputes. Earlier, Bloomberg outlined the threat in a lengthy report: “How China Overpowered the U.S. to Win the Battle for Rare Earths.”