The bedrock of electrical manufacturing, rare earths are 17 elements that serve as key components in various electronic devices. China dominates the global supply chain and Washington relies heavily on the Asian superpower to access the metals. But Chinese state media is now suggesting that rare earth exports to the US could be cut, sparking fear among manufacturers.

from Times of India https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/business/international-business/rare-earths-the-latest-weapon-in-the-us-china-trade-war/articleshow/69555345.cms