US rare earths flow to Asia as domestic demand is slow to emerge

U.S. rare earth producers exported material to Japan and South Korea in 2025 as domestic demand for the materials remained limited. The sales occurred despite Trump administration efforts to strengthen domestic rare earth supply chains. U.S. rare earth mining companies said they prioritized sales to international buyers where established markets existed. Domestic manufacturers have not yet developed sufficient demand to absorb current U.S. production capacity.

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