Fact Check: The U.S. imported roughly 70 percent of its rare earths from China in 2023.

Fact Check: "The U.S. imported roughly 70 percent of its rare earths from China in 2023."

What We Know

In 2023, the United States imported approximately 70% of its rare earth elements from China. This statistic is supported by multiple sources, including a report from the U.S. Geological Survey, which indicates that between 2020 and 2023, the U.S. relied on China for 70% of its rare earth imports (source-3). Additionally, a report by Statista confirms this figure, stating that 70% of U.S. rare earth imports during the same period came from China, with Malaysia, Japan, and Estonia being the other significant suppliers (source-4).

The importance of rare earths is underscored by their critical applications in various industries, including electronics, renewable energy, and defense (source-2).

Analysis

The claim that the U.S. imported roughly 70% of its rare earths from China in 2023 is substantiated by credible sources. The U.S. Geological Survey's report is a reliable government source that provides accurate data on mineral imports. Furthermore, the New York Times article highlights the broader context of U.S. dependency on China for critical minerals, reinforcing the significance of this statistic (source-2).

While some sources, such as a report from Zero Hedge, reiterate the same statistic, they may carry a bias due to their editorial stance (source-8). However, the consistency of the 70% figure across multiple reputable sources, including Statista and BBC, lends further credibility to the claim (source-4, source-3).

Overall, the evidence indicates a strong reliance of the U.S. on Chinese rare earth imports, which is a critical issue in discussions about supply chain security and geopolitical relations.

Conclusion

Verdict: True
The claim that the U.S. imported roughly 70% of its rare earths from China in 2023 is accurate. This statistic is corroborated by multiple reliable sources, including government reports and reputable news articles, which consistently highlight the significant dependency of the U.S. on China for rare earth elements.

Sources

1. Mineral Commodity Summaries 2025
2. Not Just 'Rare Earths': U.S. Gets Many Critical Minerals ...
3. Why China curbing rare earth exports is a blow to the US
4. The U.S. Relies Heavily on Rare Earth Imports From China
5. Charted: Where the U.S. Gets Its Rare Earths From
6. US-China Tariff Rates - What Are They Now?
7. Rare earths trade statistics: U.S. sources and import reliance
8. The US Relies Heavily On Rare Earth Imports From China