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How a Single Sanction Rewrote Global Trade in Rare Earths
Season 1
Episode 42
Published 1 month ago
Description
In this episode of Global Trade with Fexingo, Lucas and Luna unpack how China's 2023 export controls on germanium and gallium reshaped the global rare-earth supply chain. They walk through the specific mineral groups affected, how Beijing's move sent shockwaves through semiconductor and defense industries, and why Western governments are now scrambling to fund domestic processing capacity. The conversation turns on one key number: China's 90% share of refined rare-earth production, and how that leverage is being wielded. If you've ever wondered why your smartphone or electric car relies on a handful of Chinese-controlled refineries, this episode explains the trade rule that changed everything.