America and China continue to trade economic punches through tariffs and export bans. The US targets semiconductors, and China hits back with limits on rare earth metals. A Tesla patent might help America reduce its dependence on these critical materials.
China recently stopped sending rare earth metals to the US after Trump set import tariffs at 104 percent, down from an earlier 145 percent. China plans to block supplies specifically meant for American military use. These metals play a key role in many industries, especially for magnets in electric motors. The US cannot quickly start refining its large deposits because the process needs major funding, energy systems, infrastructure, and supply chain partners – likely taking around ten years to establish.
One answer might come from cutting rare earth usage in manufacturing processes. Tesla filed a patent in 2023 that describes making small cavities in magnet structures where special materials can be added. This method creates the needed magnetic properties but uses far fewer rare earth metals and simplifies manufacturing. The company may already use this technique in its factories. Because the process seems straightforward, it could help America reduce its reliance on Chinese supplies.
China recently stopped sending rare earth metals to the US after Trump set import tariffs at 104 percent, down from an earlier 145 percent. China plans to block supplies specifically meant for American military use. These metals play a key role in many industries, especially for magnets in electric motors. The US cannot quickly start refining its large deposits because the process needs major funding, energy systems, infrastructure, and supply chain partners – likely taking around ten years to establish.
One answer might come from cutting rare earth usage in manufacturing processes. Tesla filed a patent in 2023 that describes making small cavities in magnet structures where special materials can be added. This method creates the needed magnetic properties but uses far fewer rare earth metals and simplifies manufacturing. The company may already use this technique in its factories. Because the process seems straightforward, it could help America reduce its reliance on Chinese supplies.
