Rare-earths, also known as rare-earth elements and rare-earth metals, are a group of 17 metals with a range of applications in electronics, semiconductors, renewable energy technology, lasers, magnets, and other industrial and military uses. Rare-earth elements were once difficult to find but are now relatively abundant thanks to technological advances.
China accounts for roughly 70% of rare-earth extraction and 90% of rare-earth processing, giving it firm control over the rare-earth supply chain and supply chains for the numerous key products and innovations that rely on rare-earths.
Concern over China's rare-earth dominance has led other countries to adopt measures to jump-start domestic rare-earth mining and refining. Still, 67% of U.S. consumption of rare-earths in 2025 relied on imports, 71% of which came from China.
Rare-earth supply chain diversification has taken on greater urgency amid China's restrictions on exports of seven rare-earth elements and magnets -- samarium, gadolinium, terbium, dysprosium, lutetium, scandium, and yttrium -- to the United States in response to the Trump administration's imposition of tariffs on Chinese goods. Those elements have critical uses in the defense, energy, and automotive industries.
For a full breakdown of rare-earth statistics, including import and export data, production, and import reliance, read on.
Where does the U.S. import rare-earth from?