A New Rare Earth Crisis Is Brewing as Yttrium Shortages Spread

A sample of yttrium (Y) is displayed at the Laboratory of Physics and Material studies (LPEM) in Paris, France, on June 23, 2025. Benoit Tessier/ReutersGlobal supplies of the rare earth element yttrium are running low due to Chinese export restrictions, sparking fears of shortages and surging costs that could hit aerospace, energy and semiconductor production.China, the main source of the element used in speciality alloys found in engines as well as coatings to shield against high temperatures, restricted exports along with six other rare earths in April in retaliation for U.S. tariffs.