China America Trade War: China Just Hit America Where It Hurts Most

Why Tungsten Is Crucial for US Military Might

Tungsten is not just any metal. It has unique properties.

Highest melting point of all metals.
Makes it perfect for high-heat applications.
Essential for armor-piercing bullets.
Used in tank armor for protection.
Key component in fighter jets and missiles.

Tungsten Facts and Military Applications

Feature	Description	Military Use Examples	Importance Level
High Melting Point	Highest of all metals (3422 °C)	Missile nozzles, rocket engines	Critical
Extreme Density	Very dense (19.3 g/cm³)	Armor-piercing projectiles, kinetic energy penetrators	Critical
Hardness	Very hard and durable	Tank armor, protective plating	Critical
Strength at High Temp	Retains strength at extreme temperatures	Turbine blades in jet engines	Critical
Corrosion Resistance	Resistant to many forms of corrosion	Components in harsh environments	High
Alloying Agent	Improves properties of other metals when alloyed	High-speed tool steels, superalloys	High
Limited Substitutes	Few effective substitutes for many applications	Specialized military applications	Critical
Global Supply Control	China dominates global production	Supply chain vulnerability for importers	Very High
US Import Dependence	US relies heavily on imports for tungsten	National security concern	Critical
Strategic Mineral	Designated as a strategic and critical mineral	Essential for defense and economy	Critical

Trade War Intensification: Beyond Tariffs

This tungsten ban is more than just trade. It is a strategic escalation in the China America trade war.

Trump started with tariffs on Chinese goods.
China is now using critical mineral exports as leverage.
China already banned gallium and germanium exports.
These minerals are vital for semiconductors and defense.
Tungsten ban is a deeper cut, targeting military hardware directly.

This shows a calculated move by China. They are responding to US trade pressures with targeted export controls. The China America trade war is moving beyond tariffs to resource control.

Impact on the United States: Scrambling for Solutions

The US is heavily reliant on tungsten imports. China has been a primary supplier. This ban creates immediate problems.

US Tungsten Import and Production Data

Year	US Tungsten Mine Production (metric tons)	US Tungsten Imports (metric tons)	Major Import Sources	US Tungsten Consumption (metric tons)
2010	1,300	9,500	China, Bolivia, Vietnam	10,500
2015	500	10,200	China, Vietnam, Germany	10,700
2020	0	8,900	Vietnam, Austria, Germany	8,900
2021	0	9,400	Vietnam, Austria, Germany	9,400
2022	0	10,100	Vietnam, Austria, Germany, Bolivia	10,100
2023 (Jan-Jun)	0	5,200	Vietnam, Austria, Germany, Bolivia	5,200 (estimated)

China’s Strategic Objective: A Long-Term Game

China is not acting impulsively. They are playing a calculated long game in this China America trade war.

Aim is to weaken US military and technological edge.
Cutting off critical minerals is a strategic tool.
China secures its own supply chains globally.
Deals with other nations ensure their mineral access.
While US struggles to restart mining, China advances.
This is a move to gain long-term competitive advantage.

China's Strategic Objectives in Global Trade China America trade war

China sees resource control as key to global power. They are using the China America trade war to their advantage.

Immediate and Future Challenges for the US

The US faces both short-term and long-term challenges.

Tungsten prices are expected to increase sharply.
US military may need to ration tungsten supplies.
Relying on alternative suppliers will take time.
Restarting domestic mining is a multi-year project.
US must reduce dependence on single-source suppliers.
Innovation in material science is crucial.
Developing substitutes for tungsten is vital.

The US needs a comprehensive strategy. Short-term fixes and long-term solutions are both necessary to navigate this China America trade war.

Conclusion

China’s tungsten export ban is a major escalation. It directly impacts US military capabilities. This move highlights US vulnerability in critical mineral supply chains. The China America trade war has entered a new, more dangerous phase. The US response will determine the future balance of power. This is more than just trade; it’s about national security and global leadership.

What is tungsten and why is it important?

Tungsten is a metal with the highest melting point and density. It is crucial for military applications like armor-piercing bullets, tank armor, and jet engines due to its extreme heat resistance and hardness.

Why is China cutting off tungsten exports to the US?

This is seen as a strategic move in the ongoing China America trade war. China is using its dominance in critical minerals to US leverage and weaken US military and technological competitiveness.

What can the US do to address this tungsten shortage?

The US needs to diversify its tungsten supply, restart domestic mining operations, explore material substitutes, and enhance recycling efforts. These solutions will take time and significant investment to implement effectively.