Washington, DC – In response to China’s implementation of a six-month limit on its ease of rare-earth export licenses to U.S. automakers and manufacturers, SAFE’s Center for Critical Minerals Strategy’s Executive Director, Abigail Hunter, issued the following statement:
“The six-month extension for rare earth export licenses is not reprieve—it’s a reminder. While this temporary measure may offer short-term relief to U.S. manufacturers, it underscores just how exposed we remain to geopolitical leverage over materials essential to our national defense, energy systems, and advanced technologies.
China’s ability to dictate access to rare earths reinforces the urgency of reshoring and diversifying our supply chains. America must not build the industries of the future atop dependencies of the past.
This moment demands more than stopgaps. It demands permanent solutions: investments in U.S. midstream and magnet capacity, long-term policy certainty like the 45X tax credit, and strategic alignment with allies to build secure, resilient alternatives. If we’re serious about energy dominance and industrial competitiveness, we must treat this vulnerability not as a trade issue—but as a national security imperative.”
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About SAFE’s Center for Critical Minerals Strategy
SAFE’s Center for Critical Minerals Strategy (Minerals Center) aims to secure all aspects of the critical minerals supply chain to help ensure the national and economic security of the United States and our allies as we transition to a minerals-based economy.
About SAFE
SAFE is an action-oriented, nonpartisan organization committed to transportation, energy, and supply chain policies that advance the economic and national security of the United States, its partners, and allies. Since 2004, SAFE has worked with its Energy Security Leadership Council—a peerless coalition of current and former Fortune 500 CEOs and retired 4-star admirals and generals—to support secure, resilient, and responsible energy solutions. Learn more at SecureEnergy.org.
