Wire · operational-macro
China's rare earth curbs endanger $6.5 trillion of Western industry, IEA says
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Fusion42 · 16 July 2026 · Fusion42 review
China's rare earth export restrictions, if fully implemented, could disrupt $6.5 trillion of Western production across automotive, defence, high-tech and energy sectors. The IEA warns supply chains remain concentrated in China despite Western efforts to build alternatives, with new US and Malaysian refining projects only reducing China's market share from 90% to 85%.
This Wire brief sits within Fusion42's coverage of Semiconductors, Clean Energy and Defense Tech.
◆ ◆ The Wire takeaway
If China enforces these controls, you're now competing for access to materials that control your cost of goods sold. You have 12 months to either lock in supply contracts, shift to alternative materials, or accept that your margin just became a political hostage.
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1 source · 16 Jul 2026
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