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critical minerals

Trump, Xi, and the new US–China standoff
ask ian

Trump, Xi, and the new US–China standoff

In Ask Ian, Ian Bremmer notes that US–China relations are once again on edge. After Washington expanded export controls on Chinese tech firms, Beijing struck back with new limits on critical minerals. President Trump responded by threatening 100% tariffs, then quickly walked them back.

​U.S. President Donald Trump takes part in a welcoming ceremony with China's President Xi Jinping at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, China, November 9, 2017.
What We're Watching

What We’re Watching: China increases its trade leverage, Modi and Starmer meet, US undercuts Canada’s auto industry

China has implemented broad new restrictions on exports of rare earth and other critical minerals vital for semiconductors, the auto industry, and military technology, of which it controls 70% of the global supply.

The US, China, and the critical minerals question
Quick Take

The US, China, and the critical minerals question

In this Quick Take, Ian Bremmer analyzes a significant shift in US–China relations: Donald Trump’s decision to ease key technology restrictions on Beijing in an effort to secure access to critical minerals.

Is the DRC on the path to peace?
What We're Watching

Is the DRC on the path to peace?

On Tuesday, Angola offered to mediate an end to the conflict between the Democratic Republic of Congo and the Rwanda-backed M23 rebel group.

US-Canada trade war helps Mark Carney's election prospects
ask ian

US-Canada trade war helps Mark Carney's election prospects

With recent tensions between Zelensky and Washington, how likely are the Saudi-hosted peace talks to yield real progress? Are we on the cusp of a nuclear proliferation era as Poland and Germany talk of acquiring nuclear weapons? Does Justin Trudeau's replacement, Mark Carney, have a shot of winning Canada's general election? Ian Bremmer shares his insights on global politics this week on World In :60.

What does Trump’s critical minerals play in Ukraine have to do with Canada?
Europe

What does Trump’s critical minerals play in Ukraine have to do with Canada?

After softening its demands, the US has secured a critical minerals development deal with Ukraine, whose president, Volodymyr Zelensky, is planning to visit Washington on Friday. As Trump threatens Canada with tariffs, there’s growing concern that the president’s ultimate aim – aside from possibly annexing the country – is gaining control of Canadian critical minerals and rare earths.

​Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelenskiy speaks during a press conference, amid Russia's attack on Ukraine, in Kyiv, Ukraine February 26, 2025.
Analysis

GZERO Explains: The curious case of Trump’s rare earths deal in Ukraine

Ukraine agreed on Wednesday to cede control over a substantial share of future mineral riches to the United States, part of a sweeping deal US President Donald Trump has suggested as a condition for continuing to support Kyiv. Trump has repeatedly claimed that the deal – which his administration says is worth $500 billion – is about “rare earths.”

President Joe Biden hosts a virtual roundtable on securing critical minerals at the White House in Washington, U.S., February 22, 2022.
GZERO North

Digging deep: US military buys into Canadian mining

Both Canada and the US have gone all-in on critical minerals in recent years amid growing tensions and anxiety over China and its control of strategic supply chains.

​U.S. President Joe Biden speaks during a virtual roundtable on securing critical minerals at the White House in Washington, U.S., February 22, 2022.
GZERO North

US and Canada strike up first critical minerals partnership

Speaking of China, the US and Canada are taking their efforts to compete with Beijing underground – literally.

Artistic rendering of Canada with periodic table of critical minerals
GZERO North

Why Biden and Trudeau struggle to deliver critical minerals

When Canadian Natural Resources Minister Jonathan Wilkinson unveiled Canada’s critical minerals strategy last year, he emphasized the crucial link between building mines and reducing carbon emissions.