The implementation of China's export controls on rare earths in early April has increased trade tensions with the United States. During the first month of these new restrictions, customs data reveals a 16.3% contraction in rare earth exports to the U.S., while China's overall global exports of these minerals remained stable. This initial set of data underscores the specific pressure on American supply chains and comes as U.S. officials continue to accuse China of violating trade agreements by impeding critical mineral flows.