Last week, China’s Ministry of Commerce published a document that went by the name of “announcement No. 62 of 2025”.
But this wasn’t just any bureaucratic missive. It has rocked the fragile tariffs truce with the US.
The announcement detailed sweeping new curbs on its rare earth exports, in a move that tightens Beijing’s grip on the global supply of the critical minerals - and reminded Donald Trump just how much leverage China holds in the trade war.
China has a near-monopoly in the processing of rare earths - crucial for the production of everything from smartphones to fighter jets.
How many years does it take to get a processing plant up and running? Longer than Donald has to live, I’ll bet.
Probably, considering the average lifespan of a dementia patient. However, processing capacity could be built quickly* if it were a priority. It’s just that the private sector isn’t capable of creating or funding that priority on its own, so a competent government is required.
*years rather than decades
Well, since they’re disappearing all of the laborers…
I guess the good news is that he only has 2 years or less left?