China's critical mineral supply chains, rare earths, cobalt, tariffs, US reliance—our latest episode unpacks how exposed America has become with our guest, Mahnaz Khan, VP of Policy for Critical Minerals at the Silverado Policy Accelerator.
We dig into where we get the tiny magnets inside your AirPods, the subsidies that warp “free trade,” and the high‑stakes game of critical minerals exports and imports. From China’s early acquisition of DRC cobalt mines to the 95% U.S. dependence on Chinese rare earths, this conversation reveals exactly why critical minerals have become the centerpiece of global competition.
You’ll hear Mahnaz explain the “Great, mineral hope” for domestic production, the urgency behind a proposed Trade Defense Pack, and the real costs of letting Beijing steam‑roll ahead. Whether you’re curious about the politics, the economics, or the tech under your fingertips, this episode delivers both insider insight and actionable takeaways.
💎 Follow Mahnaz on LinkedIn → https://www.linkedin.com/in/mahnaz-khan
🇺🇸 Follow Silverado Policy Accelerator on LinkedIn → https://www.linkedin.com/company/silverado-accelerator?trk=public_profile_topcard-current-company
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#supplychain #chinaeconomy #minerals
00:00 Introduction
03:02 Understanding Critical Minerals
06:04 The Role of U.S. Trade Agencies
09:05 China's Influence on Critical Minerals
12:08 The Rare Earths Story
15:00 Cobalt and Global Supply Dynamics
18:12 U.S. Domestic Production Challenges
20:48 China's Belt and Road Initiative
24:10 Strategies for Ethical Supply Chains
28:05 Navigating Parenthood and Professional Life
28:56 Understanding Bilateral Relations and Trade Policies
30:07 Critical Minerals and Trade Agreements
33:05 China's Influence in Global Supply Chains
35:54 Challenges of Product Dumping and Tariffs
38:56 Addressing Labor Issues in Mining
41:59 The U.S. Perception in Global Markets
44:04 The Role of the U.S. in Global Supply Chains
46:02 Circular Economy and Recycling Initiatives
50:00 Future Directions for U.S. Trade Policy