— Reuters: Chinese suppliers of rare earth elements (Rare Earths), despite having export licenses, have stopped sending some shipments to American companies; because amid rising tensions between the United States and China, they fear punishment or retaliatory actions by Beijing.

These delays have kept the supply of critical materials limited, and prices are hovering near historical record levels—an issue that has affected the defense, semiconductors, aerospace and energy industries.

Some U.S. companies have been waiting for the necessary permits for more than six months.

According to Reuters, this may also be raised in negotiations ahead of Chinese President Xi Jinping’s trip to Washington on September 24.

Source: Reuters