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China has suspended the export of many critical minerals and magnets, amid its trade war with the U.S. (The New York Times, subscription). These materials are essential to industries including aerospace, energy, military technology and auto manufacturing.  
 
The details: “On April 4, the Chinese government ordered restrictions on the export of six heavy rare earth metals, which are refined entirely in China, as well as rare earth magnets, 90% of which are produced in China. The metals, and special magnets made with them, can now be shipped out of China only with special export licenses.” 

• However, China has “barely started” creating the process for issuing licenses, and industry leaders fear that their stockpiles will run low before such licenses can be secured.
• “Companies vary widely in the size of their emergency stockpiles for such contingencies, so the timing of production disruptions is hard to predict.” 

Why it matters: “The so-called heavy rare earth metals covered by the export suspension are used in magnets essential for many kinds of electric motors. These motors are crucial components of electric cars, drones, robots, missiles and spacecraft. Gasoline-powered cars also use electric motors with rare earth magnets for critical tasks like steering.” 
 
The big picture: While the latest crackdown comes amid the U.S.–China trade conflict, China has been restricting exports of certain critical minerals for more than a year.

• The NAM has long been one of the leading voices decrying U.S. dependence on China, urging policymakers to undertake permitting reform and support the development of sources both in the U.S. and in allied nations. 

The last word: “China’s latest crackdown on critical minerals exports underscores the need to boost both mining and processing in the U.S. and allied countries,” said NAM Vice President of Domestic Policy Chris Phalen. “Permitting reform and strategic manufacturing incentives will also be key to ending this dangerous dependence on China and ensuring U.S. energy dominance.”