China’s Rare-Earth Gambit: Tech Stocks Crash, Miner Profits Soar Amid Trade War Escalation
China’s Commerce Ministry on Oct. 9 expanded export controls to five more rare-earth metals, now restricting 12 of 17 key elements. The U.S. responded with a vow of 100% tariffs on Chinese goods and new software export curbs. Tech stocks fell while rare-earth miners surged. Washington called China’s move “hostile” and said it is assessing the impact.