The U.S. , European Union and Japan have filed a trade case over China 's export restrictions on rare earth minerals . Rare earths are minerals with magnetic and conductive properties that are used in most of today 's electronic devices . They can be found in everything from computers to cell phones to solar panels.
The U.S. , European Union and Japan have filed a trade case over China 's export restrictions on rare earth minerals . Rare earths are minerals with magnetic and conductive properties that are used in most of today 's electronic devices . 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 .