As demand for magnets used in production of cars, semiconductors, fighter jets, and robots soars, production has largely stalled due to heightened trade tensions between the U.S and China. The U.S. is expected to face severe economic disruptions as a result.
Twenty years ago, factories in the U.S. that turned rare earth metals into magnets moved production to China. On April 4, 2025, the Chinese government halted exports of rare earth magnets to any country as part of its trade war with the U.S. Additionally, some Chinese rare earth magnet makers have stopped production of these metals entirely while awaiting permission to resume exports.
John Helveston, assistant professor of engineering management and systems engineering at the George Washington University, is available to provide commentary and insight on these developments. Professor Helveston is an expert in electric vehicles, innovation and technology policy. He’s interested in understanding the factors that shape technological change, with a particular focus on transitioning to more sustainable and energy-saving technologies. Helveston can also talk about rare earth and other critical minerals issues as they relate to China, vehicles, and energy industries.
If you would like to schedule an interview with John Helveston, please contact Claire Sabin at claire [dot] sabin
gwu [dot] edu (claire[dot]sabin[at]gwu[dot]edu).
-GW-