Episode 123 – I’ll Take Mine Rare — Critical Minerals Negotiations with China

In this episode of Current Account, Clay is joined by Gracelin Baskaran, Director of the Critical Minerals Security Program at the Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS), to discuss a topic on the rise: critical minerals and rare earths. First, Gracelin explains the difference between critical minerals and rare earths and their relative importance as resources. The discussion that follows includes how China has monopolized the mining, manufacturing and production of critical minerals, how these circumstances may play a part in upcoming discussions between U.S. President Donald Trump and Chinese President, General Secretary Xi Jinping, how the state of these markets may drive global connections - as seen with the recent trade deal between the United States and Australia - and much more. This IIF Podcast was hosted by Clay Lowery, Executive Vice President, Research and Policy, with production and research contributions from Christian Klein, Digital Graphics and Production Associate and Miranda Silverman, Senior Program Assistant.