Star Trek is turning 60 – and the vision it promised feels more distant than ever

Billy Odell Tucker-Robinson Founder & Host — Banking With Billy Network • Financial Intelligence • Markets • World News • Independent Analysis
Published: 2026-09-20 • Permanent link

Rumors of a looming crisis in the global rare earths market have been circulating, with many experts warning of a potential shortage. Rafael Moreno, head of mining company Rare Earth Brazil, has expressed concerns about the market's nervousness ahead of the Trump-Xi summit. Moreno's company has opened a demo plant in Brazil, and he believes that a 40% decline in global demand could lead to a severe shortage of the critical minerals. As a result, investors are taking a cautious approach, with some analysts predicting a 20% decline in rare earth prices by the end of the year.

The potential shortage of rare earths has significant implications for the broader economy, particularly in the technology sector. Companies that rely on these minerals for production, such as smartphone manufacturers and renewable energy firms, are already feeling the pinch. The result: production delays and increased costs for these companies, which could ultimately lead to higher prices for consumers. Furthermore, a shortage of rare earths could also have a ripple effect on the global supply chain, exacerbating existing supply chain vulnerabilities.

The global rare earths market has been dominated by China for decades, with the country producing over 90% of the world's supply. However, concerns about China's intentions and the risks of supply chain disruptions have led some experts to call for greater diversification of supply chains. As one industry analyst noted, "The rare earths market has become a classic example of a supply chain vulnerability, with too much concentration in one region and not enough diversification." This has led to calls for greater investment in alternative supply chains, particularly in regions such as Brazil and Australia.

As the Trump-Xi summit approaches, investors are bracing themselves for a potential escalation of tensions in the rare earths market. What drove this increased uncertainty is the Trump administration's decision to impose tariffs on Chinese rare earths imports, which could lead to a trade war between the two countries. With the US and China accounting for over 90% of global rare earths production, a trade war could have far-reaching consequences for the global supply chain, leading to increased costs and delays for companies that rely on these minerals.