The trade conflict between the US and China shows no signs of easing, with both sides digging in, hoping they can endure the economic pain longer than the other. The dispute has once again thrust a group of metals known as rare earth elements into the global spotlight. China dominates every stage of the rare-earth supply chain, controlling nearly 70% of global mining and producing as much as 90% of the world's processed rare earths. A report published by the International Energy Agency this