The China-US Clash Over Critical Minerals Is an Opportunity for Kazakhstan
Kazakhstan has become essential in the critical minerals rivalry between the US and China, a key aspect of their trade war. The US and China have imposed tariffs and export controls on each other, with China restricting exports of critical minerals like gallium, germanium, and graphite.
Kazakhstan is becoming a vital US partner in the critical minerals rivalry with China. The US-China trade war began in 2018 with tariffs on $50 billion worth of imports. The US imposed tariffs on Chinese technology, while China restricted exports of critical minerals like gallium, germanium, and graphite. China controls 60% of global production and 85% of processing capacity for these minerals. In 2025, the US and China agreed on a 90-day truce, with the US lowering tariff rates to 30% in return for access to Chinese critical minerals. The US Supreme Court struck down Trump's tariffs in February 2026, but the administration is seeking alternative ways to impose penalties on China.
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