This video discusses the dire state of US-China trade talks and the challenges faced in the US reindustrialization efforts, focusing on the critical role of rare earth elements. Peter Zeihan explains the complexities of rare earth sourcing, processing, and manufacturing, highlighting China's dominance and the implications for US industries.
The US-China trade war has exposed a critical vulnerability: our reliance on China for rare earth elements. These aren't actually rare, but processing them is complex, time-consuming, and environmentally challenging – a process China has mastered through significant investment and less stringent regulations. This dominance gives them considerable leverage. While some US infrastructure exists to process these materials, building a robust domestic manufacturing capacity for finished products like magnets (essential for countless industries) is crucial. Proactive steps are vital to ensure our national security and economic independence, especially given the low likelihood of a return to the previously globalized system. What are your thoughts on securing our supply chains for critical materials? #rareearths #supplychain #tradewar #manufacturing #nationalsecurity #geopolitics #china #usa