Rare earth metals are not particularly limited as they are relatively abundant in the crust of the earth. Rare earth metals include yttrium, scandium, and the fifteen lanthanide series of elements.
The rarity of these elements is a function of Chinese control of the commodities. Through primary mining and investments around the globe, China controls the majority of rare earth metal production each year and holds the world's largest strategic stockpiles.
In 2018, the trade dispute between the US and China resulted in a series of tariffs and retaliatory measures between the nations. On the