China 's dominance in the industry has led to suggestions it can be used as part of a trade war with the U.S. and Europe . The U.S. , European Union and Japan have filed a trade dispute over China 's export restrictions on rare earth minerals . Rare earth are minerals with magnetic and conductive properties that are used in most of today 's electronic devices . China 's involvement in the industry has led to suggestions it can be used as part of a trade war with the U.S. and Europe .
The U.S. , European Union and Japan have filed a trade dispute over China 's export restrictions on rare earth minerals . Rare earth are minerals with magnetic and conductive properties that are used in most of today 's electronic devices . China 's involvement in the industry has led to suggestions it can be used as part of a trade war with the U.S. and Europe .