Core Points - The meeting between US President Trump and Australian Prime Minister Albanese resulted in an agreement to enhance the supply of rare earth and critical minerals, including the construction of a modern smelting plant in Australia with an annual capacity of 100 tons of gallium [1] - Trump claimed that within a year, the US would have an abundance of critical minerals and rare earths, potentially breaking China's dominance in the sector, with prices possibly dropping below $2 [3] - Experts argue that while Australia has significant rare earth resources, it cannot meet US demand alone, emphasizing the importance of refining and extraction capabilities [3][5] Industry Insights - Gallium arsenide is crucial for high-frequency chips in smartphones, satellite communications, radar systems, and fiber optic networks, while gallium nitride is essential for advanced radar and electronic warfare systems in military applications [5] - The US previously had a robust rare earth industry, but it has been significantly diminished due to China's strategic initiatives over the past 30 years, leading to a loss of domestic refining capabilities [5][6] - Experts estimate that building domestic gallium production capacity in the US could take 5 to 10 years and require investments of several billion dollars, indicating that achieving self-sufficiency in gallium is a long-term strategic goal [5][8] Competitive Landscape - Australia ranks as the fourth largest rare earth resource country and is the only producer of heavy rare earth elements outside of China, yet China still controls approximately 70% of global rare earth production and 90% of refining capacity [6] - The timeline for the US to resolve its rare earth supply issues is projected to be at least 5 years, raising concerns about the interim supply situation and the potential for China to strengthen its position in high-end chip supply during this period [8] - The competition between the US and China over rare earths and chips is not only an economic issue but also a strategic contest, with the potential for long-term implications for both nations [8]