How are rare earth reserves distributed globally?

(CLO) The uneven distribution of strategic resources such as rare earths is strongly impacting the global economic landscape and geopolitical issues.

Data for 2024–2025 from the US Geological Survey shows that the world's resource distribution remains extremely imbalanced, creating both opportunities and major bottlenecks for economic development.

Countries with high rare earth reserves (unit: million tons). Graphics: visualcapitalist

Rare Earths - China's New Competition Focus with the US and Europe

Rare earth elements play a vital role in the production of electric vehicles, electronics, defense technology and renewable energy. However, these resources are concentrated in a small number of countries.

Global proven reserves stand at 91.9 million tonnes, with China holding 44 million tonnes – nearly half of the world’s total. Brazil ranks second with 21 million tonnes, accounting for 23%. India, Australia, Russia and Vietnam also have large reserves. Together, the top six countries account for 80% of global reserves.

This concentration makes developed economies dependent on trade and intermediate processing chains. The US holds only 1.9 million tonnes, or 2% of total reserves.

To reduce risks, the Trump administration has pushed to expand domestic mining, simplify licensing and coordinate with allies to diversify supply chains.

Distribution of global rare earth reserves (unit: tons).

Last October, President Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping reached an agreement to reduce tariffs in exchange for China maintaining stable rare earth exports to the US.

Meanwhile, areas such as Greenland, Tanzania and South Africa are seen as potential alternative sources of supply if investment is made to upgrade processing infrastructure. This opens up opportunities to reduce dependence on countries with large reserves.

Source: https://congluan.vn/tru-luong-dat-hiem-tren-toan-cau-phan-bo-nhu-the-nao-10319308.html