中国出手，稀土暴涨210%， 美不再硬气，五角大楼彻底慌了神

Core Insights - The Trump administration is drafting an executive order to authorize U.S. companies to mine polymetallic nodules in the Clarion-Clipperton Zone of the Pacific, which are rich in nickel, cobalt, manganese, and rare earth elements, to bolster U.S. strategic reserves against potential conflicts with China [1] - The focus on rare earth exports has intensified following the suspension of tariffs between the U.S. and China, with the U.S. aiming to secure its access to rare earths while China views its dominance in this sector as a strategic advantage [1][3] - The U.S. military's heavy reliance on rare earth materials has raised concerns, as the majority of rare earth processing capabilities are concentrated in China, with over 80% of U.S. rare earth imports sourced from there [3][7] Industry Dynamics - Following China's announcement of export controls on seven categories of heavy rare earths, prices for rare earth metals have surged, with dysprosium prices doubling to $850 per kilogram and terbium prices increasing over 210% to $3,000 per kilogram [3] - The Chinese government has initiated measures to combat smuggling of strategic minerals, reminiscent of policies from 2010-2011 that led to a spike in global rare earth prices [5] - The U.S. faces challenges not only in mining but also in refining rare earths, as it has historically relied on China for processing, which complicates the supply chain for critical military applications [7]