Markets tumble amid China’s threat to impose export controls on rare earth minerals

The news immediately caused a drop in equities and commodities, with soybeans down 20 percent in a matter of minutes.

China is currently rattling all of the markets right now. A short time ago, President Trump said China is becoming hostile and is threatening to impose export controls around the globe, on rare earth minerals.

The news immediately caused a drop in equities and commodities, with soybeans down 20 percent in a matter of minutes.

RFD-TV’s Tony St. James and market analyst Arlan Suderman of Stone X provide action and discuss what President Trump calls “a grave miscalculation.”

Related Stories
Retail pricing confirms tight cattle supplies and supports continued leverage for producers, reinforcing the need for disciplined risk management.
China continues to buy U.S. soybeans toward its 12 MMT commitment, as analysts cite data gaps, delivery timing questions, and muted market reaction.
Higher ethanol blend rates translate directly into stronger, more durable corn demand if regulatory momentum holds.
Long-term demand uncertainty is reshaping specialty crop strategies as producers adapt to fewer, older consumers.
Seasonal boxed beef softness does not change the tight-supply outlook — leverage remains closer to the farm gate heading into 2026.
Trade uncertainty—especially regarding soybeans—continues to weigh on future outlooks, even as farm finances and land values remain resilient.

LATEST STORIES BY THIS AUTHOR:

The Surface Transportation Board rejects the proposed Norfolk Southern–Union Pacific merger, prompting concerns from agricultural shippers about rail consolidation, service reliability, and higher transportation costs.
Midland County Livestock Association President Brandon Mitchell reflects on another strong year for the event, including a premium sale that once again topped the million-dollar mark.
The Midland County Junior Livestock Show in West Texas features a competitive steer showcase highlighting top-quality cattle and the accomplishments of driven youth exhibitors.
CoBank Knowledge Exchange’s Jeff Johnston shares the group’s positive perspective on expanding data centers into rural areas and weighs the risks and rewards for those communities.
Farm CPA Paul Neiffer discusses how January’s WASDE report could impact ARC and PLC payments and updates on disaster relief programs as farmers navigate a challenging market environment.
Texas Commissioner of Agriculture Sid Miller joined us to discuss data center expansion, farmland preservation, rural economic impacts, and imminent cattle biosecurity concerns affecting agriculture today.