U.S. Treasury Secretary Bessent Addresses China's 87% Rare Earth Refining Dominance
Written by Ohris M. Greyoon, Blockchain & Crypto Expert
Source: Coinmarketcap
Updated: Jan 13 2026- Supply Chain Risks: U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent convened 11 finance ministers and EU officials to discuss China's 87% dominance in global rare earth refining, highlighting vulnerabilities in U.S. supply chains that could impact technology and defense sectors.
- Record Silver Prices: During the meeting, silver prices reached historic highs, reflecting a surge in demand for rare earths and other critical minerals, which exacerbates uncertainty in the U.S. global supply chain.
- Lack of New Policies: Although no new policies emerged from the meeting, the Trump administration is leveraging rare earth discussions to address national security risks, indicating a strong focus on mineral supply chains that may influence future trade policies.
- International Coordination: The meeting underscored the need for coordination among allied nations regarding mineral supply chains, and while no immediate policy announcements were made, it reflects a shared concern over China's dominant position, potentially leading to future cooperation and policy adjustments.
About the author
Ohris M. Greyoon
Ohris M. Greyoon holds a Master’s in Computer Science from MIT and has 10 years of experience in blockchain technology and cryptocurrency markets. A pioneer in decentralized finance (DeFi) analysis, he leads Intellectia’s Crypto News, offering cutting-edge insights into digital assets.
