Media: US Rare Earth Metal Shortage Intensifies
According to Reuters, suppliers in the aerospace and semiconductor industries in the United States are facing an increasing shortage of various rare earth metals. The United States mainly lacks yttrium and scandium, which are essential for producing defense and aerospace technology equipment and semiconductors. They are mainly produced in China. According to Reuters, although China has allowed the resumption of exports of various rare earth metals, they rarely reach the United States.
Reuters pointed out that since November 2025, the price of yttrium has risen by 60%, and the current price is about 69 times that of a year ago. Reuters added that two American companies producing aircraft engine coatings have been forced to suspend production due to metal shortages.
In addition to yttrium, American companies also face a shortage of scandium, which is a raw material for chips. American manufacturers find it difficult to obtain export licenses for scandium from China and have sought help from Washington. An expert told Reuters that "there is no domestic scandium production base in the United States, nor any alternative sources outside of China."
At the same time, a U.S. government official told Reuters that the shortage of yttrium and scandium has not yet affected the production of jet engines or chips.
On February 2 local time, President Trump of the United States announced the launch of a $1.2 billion key mineral reserve project named "The Vault Program," providing support to manufacturers and reducing reliance on Chinese rare earths. Trump said at the White House that this reserve project, named "The Vault Program," aims to "ensure that U.S. businesses and workers will never be harmed by any shortages."
The spokesperson of the Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs responded that China's position on maintaining the stability and security of the global supply chain of critical minerals has not changed, and all parties have a responsibility to play a constructive role in this regard.
Original article: toutiao.com/article/1858275092131852/
Statement: This article represents the views of the author himself.