the Voice of
The Communist League of Revolutionary Workers–Internationalist
“The emancipation of the working class will only be achieved by the working class itself.”
— Karl Marx
the Voice of
The Communist League of Revolutionary Workers–Internationalist
“The emancipation of the working class will only be achieved by the working class itself.”
— Karl Marx
Jun 23, 2025
Today’s electronic technology is made possible by the effectiveness and tiny size of things called “rare earth magnets.”
For example, there might be a dozen of these cheap magnets in a luxury vehicle seat, allowing the seat to adjust multiple ways.
“Rare” earth material is all around the world. But it is China that refines and processes 90% of it. Refining creates toxic pollution. The work got sent to China.
Recently the amount of rare earth magnets sold by China to U.S. buyers was cut way back. It has been a bargaining chip in the tariff negotiations going on between the U.S. and China. Ford’s CEO said last week the company is struggling to find enough supplies of rare earth magnets. “It’s day to day…. We have had to shut down factories.”
This supply issue is out there and could have an impact on U.S. auto production.