Rare Earths: A new flashpoint

In this podcast, Edmund Shing, Global Chief Investment Officer, and Hiba Mouallem discuss the strategic importance, supply challenges, and investment opportunities surrounding rare earth metals.Critical Role: Rare earth metals (17 elements) are essential for technologies like semiconductors, defence systems, and renewable energy (e.g., wind turbines).China’s Dominance: China controls 90% of global refining capacity due to decades of heavy investment, creating a major supply bottleneck.Geopolitical Tensions: Rising demand from AI, defence, and green energy, combined with China’s export restrictions, has intensified US-China trade tensions and driven prices higher.US Response: The US is investing billions in domestic production and guaranteeing minimum prices to reduce reliance on China and stabilise supply.Investment Outlook: Rare earth metals present a medium-term investment opportunity, best accessed through diversified funds or ETFs covering global producers and refiners.Hosted on Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.