Ukraine cannot replace China's critical mineral supply

Ukraine's ability to replace China as a critical minerals supplier is limited, according to analysts, despite a recent US deal. The deal's impact is diminished by Ukraine's lack of processing capacity. The US-Ukraine agreement aims to secure rare earths for US tech and green energy sectors, but China's dominance in refining and vast reserves pose a significant challenge. China controls the majority of global rare earth refining. Analysts point out that Ukraine lacks the necessary mineral deposits and processing infrastructure to compete with China's established industry. The US administration cited "economic security" as the primary driver for the deal.