Recent trade disputes between the United States, the European Union and China have led to the imposition of higher restrictions on metals, in an attempt to protect national industries. However, this strategy has caused retaliations, which has further complicated the global trade in these materials.
The United States has increased spending on steel and china aluminum by 25% while the European Union has responded with similar burdens to American imports. China, for its part, imposes restrictions on the export of rare earth and certain essential metals for the technological and automotive industry.