The Morning Edition We have them. Trump wants them. Are rare earths Australia’s secret superpower?
Oct 15, 2025
Join Peter Hartcher, an expert in geopolitics and strategic resources, as he unpacks the critical role of rare earths in global technology and defense. He elaborates on China's recent export controls and the potential economic fallout from rising U.S.-China tensions, including Trump's shocking 100% tariff threat. Hartcher discusses Australia's unique opportunity to secure its position in this resource market and the challenges it faces in processing these minerals. Can Australia emerge as a key player against China? Tune in to find out!
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China's Rare Earths Monopoly
- China now controls exports and processing of all 17 rare earths and related technology, asserting extraterritorial control.
- This gives Beijing the power to block modern defence and tech supply chains unless it permits trade.
Processing, Not Mining, Is The Choke Point
- Rare earths are essential for computers, defence, medical imaging and green tech.
- China produces ~60% of raw rare earths but refines ~92% of the global supply, creating the real choke point.
Tariff Threat Raises Stakes
- Donald Trump threatened a 100% tariff on Chinese exports in response, which could effectively halt US-China trade.
- Such escalation would risk 'mutually assured economic destruction' if both bluffs are called.