Rare Earth Shortages Escalate in US Aerospace and Chip Industries: What It Means for Global Supply Chains and Investors
WASHINGTON: Suppliers to U.S. aerospace and semiconductor companies are facing escalating shortages of rare earth elements, with two suppliers reportedly turning away some customers, according to industry insiders. This development comes just weeks before U.S. President Donald Trump is expected to meet Chinese President Xi Jinping for a summit in Beijing.
The shortages primarily involve rare earth elements such as yttrium and scandium—critical yet niche members of the 17-element rare earth family. These elements play essential roles in defense technology, aerospace, and semiconductor manufacturing, and are almost exclusively produced in China.
Despite China easing some rare earth export restrictions imposed in April, shipments to the U.S. remain minimal, as reflected in Chinese customs data, even after the trade détente announced in October. This partial easing of tensions, which hinges partly on China’s temporary halt to critical mineral export limitations, will likely be a key topic during the March summit between Trump and Xi in Beijing.
Yttrium is particularly critical, used in protective coatings that prevent engines and turbines from melting under high temperatures. Without steady supplies of yttrium, engine operations cannot be sustained.
Since Reuters first highlighted yttrium shortages in November, prices have surged by 60%, reaching levels approximately 69 times higher than a year ago. According to executives and traders in the coatings sector, some manufacturers have begun rationing yttrium to manage the limited supply.
Executives from two North American companies that rely on yttrium for coatings revealed to Reuters that they have temporarily halted production due to scarcity. One of these companies is reportedly refusing smaller and offshore orders to prioritize larger clients, including certain engine manufacturers. Another company in the coatings supply chain recently exhausted its yttrium oxide stock, forcing a halt in sales of products containing the material.
While these shortages have yet to disrupt jet engine or chip production, a U.S. government official confirmed to Reuters that some manufacturers are already experiencing “shortages” of specific rare earths from China. China’s exports of yttrium products to the U.S. dropped sharply—from 333 tons in the eight months before restrictions to just 17 tons in the eight months following their implementation.
A White House official emphasized that the administration remains committed to securing access to critical minerals for all U.S. businesses. This includes ongoing negotiations with China, monitoring compliance with the Trump-Xi agreement, and pursuing alternative supply chains where necessary.
Reuters spoke to two U.S. government officials, 14 company executives, staff, traders, and analysts within the aerospace and semiconductor sectors, most of whom requested anonymity due to the sensitive nature of their disclosures. China’s Ministry of Commerce declined to comment.
Manufacturers remain concerned about production pressures. Aerospace supply chain expert Kevin Michaels described yttrium scarcity as “a watch item” illustrating how China is leveraging its rare earth resources. Engine makers are already challenged by high demand for spare parts and increased production from Boeing and Airbus. Companies such as GE Aerospace, RTX’s Pratt & Whitney, and Honeywell declined to comment.
In addition to yttrium, U.S. semiconductor firms face dwindling supplies of scandium, which threatens the manufacturing of next-generation 5G chips, according to Dylan Patel, CEO of research firm SemiAnalysis. Scandium, produced globally in only limited quantities, is crucial for fuel cells, specialty aluminum aerospace alloys, and advanced semiconductor processing and packaging. Major U.S. semiconductor makers depend on scandium components that are integral to virtually all 5G smartphones and base stations.
Recent delays in obtaining new export licenses for scandium from China have prompted U.S. chipmakers to seek assistance from the government. While some previously sourced scandium through third-country suppliers, new Chinese licensing requirements mandate disclosure of end-users, raising concerns that the semiconductor industry is being specifically targeted.
The U.S. Semiconductor Industry Association declined to comment. Patel noted that the U.S. currently has no domestic scandium production or operational alternative sources outside China, with existing stockpiles expected to last only months rather than years.
— Reuters
Special Analysis by Omanet | Navigate Oman’s Market
The ongoing rare earth shortages, especially yttrium and scandium, highlight the strategic vulnerability of industries reliant on Chinese supplies, including aerospace and semiconductors. For businesses in Oman, this presents a significant opportunity to explore and invest in alternative rare earth supply chains or local production capabilities, potentially positioning Oman as a critical player in global supply resilience. Smart investors and entrepreneurs should prioritize innovation and partnerships in the critical minerals sector to mitigate risks and capitalize on rising global demand driven by technology and defense needs.
