Blocking Rare-Earth Exports Is Self-Destructive Option for China

Bulldozer scoops soil containing various rare earth to be loaded on to a ship at a port in Lianyungang, Jiangsu Province, China, on Sept. 5, 2010. STR/AFP/Getty Images

News Analysis

WASHINGTON—China may take the drastic step of restricting exports of rare-earth elements to strike back at the United States, as the trade war between the world’s two biggest economies continues to intensify. However, Beijing’s use of these strategic metals as a policy weapon against Washington has devastating consequences and may backfire, according to experts.