17:10 - 4.09.2026

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September 4, Fineko/abc.az. Several Chinese rare earth suppliers have halted shipments to the U.S. due to fears of regulatory retaliation from Beijing.

The disruptions underscore critical mineral supply chain vulnerabilities just weeks before Chinese President Xi Jinping’s scheduled summit with U.S. officials in Washington on September 24.

Sources report that suppliers withdrew from U.S. deals following Beijing's August sanctions on the U.S.-linked Responsible Business Alliance (RBA). Fearing penalties for complying with foreign audit programs or risking the resale of materials to banned end-users, suppliers are freezing orders. American companies face licensing approval delays exceeding six months. The impasse threatens vital components for U.S. defense, semiconductor, and electric vehicle supply chains.