Reuters: Some of China’s rare earth suppliers are refusing to ship these materials to American companies because they are worried about potential consequences from Beijing. This follows after these companies, in early August, sanctioned the organization “Business for Responsible Mineral Supply.”

The companies have said they are concerned that complying with requirements related to due diligence of the supply chain, which is linked to the “Responsible Minerals Initiative,” could expose them to fines from Chinese authorities.

Other producers of China’s rare earths had also stopped shipping their products to the United States in recent months to avoid geopolitical risks. Some of these companies have reported that they are concerned their materials could ultimately end up with buyers who are subject to sanctions.