WASHINGTON (July 23, 2025) – Rare earth elements are more common than their name suggests, but the capacity to mine, refine, and scale their use in electronics has been largely monopolized by China. Amid trade tensions, China was able to leverage this dominance by requiring companies to apply for licenses to purchase rare earths and forcing some U.S. and European manufacturers to halt production. This supply cutoff renewed U.S. investor interest in rare earths and, for the first time in decades, may lead to domestic manufacturing of rare earths.
To better understand the roots of China’s rare earth dominance, and why strategic cooperation or competition with China is pivotal to the future of U.S. innovation and energy independence, please consider Professor John Helveston at the George Washington University. Helveston emphasizes that rare earths are especially critical for the electric vehicle (EV) industry, where they are essential components in motors and batteries. As the U.S. accelerates its transition to EVs, a continued reliance on China for rare earth materials poses a long-term choke point for domestic manufacturing. At the current rate, the U.S. risks falling behind in the global race for clean transportation and sustainable technology, Helveston says.
John Helveston is an assistant professor of engineering management and systems engineering at GW. An expert in electric vehicles, innovation, and technology policy, he studies the factors that drive technological change, especially the transition to sustainable and energy-efficient technologies. He is available to discuss rare earth and other critical mineral issues as they relate to China, the auto industry, and clean energy policy.
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-