The USA is known for its booming tech industry, which is huge source of income for the country. Many of the world’s largest tech and automobile companies call America home.
But the USA has a problem. Much of the necessary minerals that are used in electronic components and cars, and even spaceships are imported from China and other countries. These minerals are the life source of the whole industry and in the last 66 years, there has been a more than 150% increase in the elements and minerals that the USA is completely dependent on other countries to import.
China, one of the biggest suppliers to the US, has been in a trade war with the country for a long time. They hold leverage over the USA with these commodities and could stop selling them to America if they find it inconvenient for themselves.
In fact, China has been importing important minerals from other countries itself for its own use. This gives it power to create deals with other countries that could sway the favour against dealing with the US.
It’s not that the USA does not have any natural resources of its own. The USA holds almost 12% of the world’s identified Lithium sources, but only one mine in Nevada is used for any actual mining.
If the current situation doesn’t improve, the USA could face a lot of trouble economically, and this in turn could also weaken its defence system.
