China's latest round of rare-earth export controls gives the country dominion over precious resources — regulations have far-reaching implications for the semiconductor industry

China's latest rare-earth export controls expand its dominion over crucial resources, impacting industries like semiconductors worldwide. The regulations now cover not just raw materials but also products containing rare earth materials from China. This move gives China significant influence over the supply chain of devices like displays, EV drivetrains, and optical infrastructure. The country's control extends to the production and processing equipment for rare earth materials, making it challenging for foreign companies to switch suppliers. China's strategic shift positions it as a global watchdog over rare earth materials, granting it powerful tools for industrial and geopolitical control.