Chemical Chokepoints: The Hidden Power Behind Rare Earth Supply Chains in 2026

Chemical Chokepoints: The Hidden Power Behind Rare Earth Supply Chains in 2026

Summary Rare earth elements are often discussed in terms of mining, but the true leverage in global supply chains lies in chemical processing—the stage where raw materials are refined into usable components. In 2026, these “chemical chokepoints” are heavily concentrated, with China controlling an estimated 70%–80% of global rare earth refining capacity and over 85% […]