THE COMPLAINTS: The United States, the European Union and Japan are accusing China of limiting its export of minerals that are vital to the production of high-tech goods. The complaints were filed before the World Trade Organization.
CHINA’S DOMINANCE: China has a stranglehold on the global supply of 17 rare earth minerals used in key components. China has cut its export quotas of these minerals over the past several years as demand grew at home.
THE PRODUCTS: Products that rely on the minerals include hybrid cars, weapons, flat-screen TVs, mobile phones, mercury-vapor lights and camera lenses.
