稀土只是前戏！当着全世界的面，美国学者坦言：中方还有一张“王牌”没打，特朗普无能为力

Core Insights - The article discusses the impact of trade tensions between the U.S. and China, particularly focusing on the recent escalation involving tariffs and China's export controls on rare earth elements, which are crucial for various industries [1][8] - It highlights the deep reliance of the U.S. on Chinese imports in critical sectors such as pharmaceuticals and agriculture, suggesting that this dependency poses significant risks to U.S. public health and agricultural productivity [3][5] Group 1: Trade Tensions and Market Reactions - The U.S. stock market experienced a significant downturn, with major indices falling and tech giants losing over $700 billion in market value following the announcement of increased tariffs on Chinese goods [1] - The immediate trigger for this market reaction was China's decision to expand its export controls on rare earth elements, which are essential for technology and defense industries [1][8] Group 2: U.S. Dependency on Chinese Imports - The U.S. is heavily reliant on China for essential pharmaceuticals, with 96% of hydrocodone and 90% of ibuprofen imports coming from China, indicating a vulnerability in public health [3] - The dependency extends to active pharmaceutical ingredients, where China and India account for 82% of the U.S. FDA-registered components, complicating any potential alternative sourcing strategies [3][5] Group 3: Agricultural Implications - The agricultural sector in the U.S. also faces risks due to reliance on Chinese chemical intermediates for pesticides, which could lead to significant crop losses if supply chains are disrupted [5] - This dependency on Chinese supplies is seen as a more substantial threat than tariff barriers, as it directly affects the livelihoods of American farmers and the overall economy [5][6] Group 4: Internal U.S. Economic Challenges - The article points out that the real economic growth rate in the U.S. could be as low as 0.1% when excluding investments in artificial intelligence, indicating underlying economic fragility [6] - There is a growing divide among U.S. stakeholders, with major pharmaceutical companies opposing restrictions on Chinese imports due to their significant business ties, highlighting the complexities of the trade conflict [6][8]