Rare Earth Reseves

 

Rare earth elements (REEs) underpin the modern economy, from electric vehicles and wind turbines to smartphones and advanced defense systems.

China dominates, holding 44.0 million metric tons, about 48% of global reserves. This scale provides a structural advantage in sectors where access to critical materials increasingly determines technological and economic competitiveness.

Brazil ranks second with 21.0 million tons (23%). Its deposits—both ionic clay and hard-rock—are substantial, but much of the potential remains at an early development stage, limiting near-term supply impact.

Beyond these two leaders, concentration remains pronounced. The top six countries account for roughly 80% of known reserves, leaving many advanced economies with limited domestic resources.

The United States holds 1.9 million tons (2%), reinforcing reliance on trade and midstream processing. In 2025, the Trump administration has emphasized reducing dependence on Chinese materials through domestic mining support, faster permitting, and cooperation with allies.

Smaller but strategically relevant reserves are found in Canada (0.83 million tons) and Greenland (1.5 million tons), both increasingly viewed as diversification options.

Source: U.S. Geological Survey (USGS)