Cory Combs

Cory Combs, Head of supply chain research at Trivium China and expert on critical minerals, joins for an insightful conversation about the evolving U.S.-China trade tensions. He discusses the recent pause in tariff escalations and its potential longevity, emphasizing that a stalemate is better than more drastic measures. The talk then shifts to China's strategic export controls on rare earth elements, revealing their significance for global supply chains and national security. Combs shares the implications for companies navigating these turbulent waters.

Cory Combs, head of critical mineral and supply chain research at Trivium China, dives deep into the intricacies of rare earth export controls and U.S.-China trade dynamics. He discusses China’s recent export license approvals and the unlikely scenario of easing dual-use export restrictions. The conversation touches on the repercussions for U.S. manufacturers and highlights China’s retaliatory tactics against companies compliant with U.S. regulations. Combs emphasizes the fragile state of the 90-day de-escalation and what might disrupt this tentative peace.

Cory Combs, Head of Critical Mineral and Supply Chain Research at Trivium China, dives into the complexities of global supply chains and rare earths. He explains China's general licenses for exports and their impact on international trade. The discussion highlights the U.S. push for diversification in critical minerals and the challenges faced, including reliance on specific countries for processing. Combs also introduces the Pax Silica initiative and shares insights on how both China and the world are adapting to these changes, suggesting that better de-risking could enhance stability in U.S.-China relations.

Cory Combs, head of critical mineral research at Trivium China, sheds light on the complex landscape of rare earth export controls. He discusses discrepancies between US and Chinese statements about recent agreements, and how political messaging adds to the confusion. Cory explores the realistic timelines for the US to reduce reliance on China for rare earths, emphasizing the challenges in establishing new supply chains. He highlights the difficulties posed by regulatory factors and the need for government support in a capital-intensive industry.

In this discussion, Lewis Black, co-founder and CEO of Almonty Industries, and Cory Combs, Head of Critical Minerals and Supply Chain Research at Trivium China, delve into the pressing issues of critical minerals and supply chain geopolitics. They explore why the West is overly reliant on Chinese supply chains and the wake-up call the 2008 financial crisis should have been. The conversation shifts to addressing the disparities between commercial and national interests, as well as strategies for the U.S. to diversify its critical supply chains.