Weeks before a planned Trump–Xi meeting in South Korea, China unveiled sweeping rare-earth export restrictions, phased in Nov. 8 and Dec. 1, that Washington calls an attempt to tighten control over global manufacturing. Ambassador Jameison Greer labeled the move economic coercion, while Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent voiced optimism about de-escalation despite President Donald Trump threatening 100% tariffs on all Chinese goods starting Nov. 1. Beijing says it doesn’t want a trade war but won’t shy away. The rules could ripple across tech and defense supply chains as firms seek Chinese approval for products containing trace rare earths.

Prepared by Christopher Adams and reviewed by editorial team.