Appropriately enough for those seeking profits in rare earths, the Han Chinese word for “crisis” is famously written with two characters, one representing “danger” and the other representing “opportunity.” The opportunity is signaled as a crucial turning point, which can — if exploited properly — lead to positive changes or a better outcome.

There is a brewing crisis in rare earths, also known as critical materials, as access to the vital elements has become increasingly uncertain in 2025, given rising geopolitical tensions and trade wars, especially those between Beijing and Washington.

In brief, China has a near-monopoly on the production of seven rare earths, and dominance in others. These are essential to a wide range of defense, renewable energy and technology hardware. And Beijing has proved willing to bar export of the essential elements, to gain geopolitical leverage or to retaliate in trade wars. China would also likely hoard rare earths in a