China's rare-earth strategy versus US risks backfiring

As mineral prices rise, drive to build up American industry gains steam

China produces nearly 80% of the world's rare earths, used in high-tech products like smartphones and electric cars. © Reuters

RURIKA IMAHASHI and CK TAN, Nikkei staff writers

July 9, 2019 05:00 JST

TOKYO/SHANGHAI -- China is looking to strengthen its dominance over the rare-earth minerals needed for myriad tech products, in part through regulations designed to promote high-end industries. In doing so, however, Beijing risks driving investment into the rare-earth industry of its trade war foe, the U.S.