Trump Raises Tariffs on China, Rare Earth Supply Disruption Looms

President Trump announced a 90-day pause on increased tariffs for most countries willing to negotiate trade deals, but simultaneously increased tariffs on China, citing a “lack of respect.” China has retaliated against the US tariff increase by imposing levies on US goods and restricting exports of rare earth minerals, which are critical for tech and defense industries.

Researchers have identified coal ash as a potential domestic source of 11 million tons of rare earth elements, offering a possible long-term solution to the US’s…