China has managed to hit the U.S. where it hurts the most in response to the Trump administration’s tariffs, with restrictions on global exports of certain rare-earth elements that the U.S. has little ability to produce or refine.

Beijing has suspended exports of certain rare earth minerals and magnets that are crucial for the world’s car, semiconductor and aerospace industries.

China’s exports surged in March as shipments were likely front-loaded before President Trump’s “Liberation Day” tariffs, but they are expected to falter in the coming months.

China's exports likely picked up pace in March, as factories rushed out shipments ahead of U.S. President Donald Trump's sweeping tariffs this month, though the broadening trade war with the United States has darkened the economic outlook.

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