Apple said on Tuesday it would invest $500 million into rare earths mine operator MP Materials, as the iPhone maker seeks to localize its mineral supply chain. The investment is part of a broader push to bring the production of its coveted iPhones to the United States and boost U.

EXCLUSIVE: Apple is expected to announce a $500 million commitment to MP Materials — the only rare earth mine currently operating in the United States, according to multiple sources familiar with the deal.

The company has reportedly promised to commit $500 million in US rare earth supplies for iPhones, iPads, Macs — and everything else.

The continent wants to reduce the risks of depending so heavily on China for the valuable minerals. The question is how.

As rare earth supply chains are disrupted by tariffs and other trade barriers with China, e-waste recycling is growing as a solution to metals shortages.

China Northern Rare Earth and Inner Mongolia Baotou Steel Union — two of China's top rare earth producers — announced a price hike for third-quarter 2025 rare earth concentrates to CNY19,109 (approx.

Beijing will now require government licenses for any effort to transfer abroad the technologies crucial for producing inexpensive electric cars.

China's exports growth beat expectations in June as businesses continued to divert shipments to non-U.S. markets while shunning the U.S. despite a tariff reprieve.