For years, the U.S. has relied heavily on foreign suppliers for both rare earth elements (REEs) and graphite. As of 2024, the country was at least 93% import-dependent.
The latest incidents come as tensions surge over remarks from Japan’s new prime minister, Senae Takaichi, who suggested Tokyo could intervene militarily if China attacked Taiwan.
“He has openly said, and his people have openly said at meetings, ‘We would never do anything while President Trump is president,’ because they know the consequences."
“Tons of chemicals that are used to create synthetic drugs like methamphetamine and fentanyl are shipped from China to Mexico in China's undeclared war against America."