🚫 China has begun restricting the supply of rare earth elements to Western arms manufacturers, already causing disruptions in the production of bullets, aircraft, and other military equipment, reports The Wall Street Journal.
Source: Pryamyi
🔋 Key minerals — under Beijing’s control
Nearly all U.S. defense supply chains depend on Chinese suppliers. This gives China significant leverage over the pace and scale of Western weapons production.
📉 Pentagon deadline — 2027
The U.S. Department of Defense has ordered contractors to phase out Chinese-made magnets containing rare earth elements by 2027. However, many companies only have enough stockpiles to last a few months.
📄 China’s new requirements
Beijing now demands that importers submit a detailed description of how the minerals will be used — especially if tied to defense or aerospace. Such requests are often denied or delayed, while civilian shipments are processed much more easily.
💸 Prices skyrocket
Some metals, including samarium, are now trading at up to 60 times their normal price — sharply driving up the cost of defense projects.
🧭 Companies seek alternatives
Suppliers around the world are urgently looking for new sources of rare earth metals, but replacing China quickly is nearly impossible.
⚠️ Western analysts warn: arms supplies could slow down if Beijing’s raw materials blockade continues or intensifies.