US Pursues Enhanced Rare Earth Security Through International Collaboration

The U.S. is focusing on multinational cooperation to secure its rare earth supply chains, aiming to reduce reliance on China, which supplied 76% of rare earth imports from 2017 to 2020. The Pentagon has requested funding for strategic mineral facilities in Australia and Britain, and the Minerals Security Partnership was launched in June 2022 to diversify supply sources.

Notably, the U.S. and allies are working to strengthen domestic production and processing capabilities, particularly in the defense sector, but risks from geopolitical instability remain. Collaboration with resource-rich countries like Vietnam, Chile, and Argentina could enhance access to critical materials while countering China's influence.