US-China trade: what are rare-earth metals and what's the dispute?

The metals are used to produce a number of goods, including mobile phones and cameras

What are rare-earth metals?
Rare earths refer to a group of 17 elements that are prized for their unique magnetic and electrochemical properties.

They include elements such as gadolinium, lanthanum, cerium and promethium, and are vital in the production of cancer treatment drugs, smartphones and renewable energy technologies.

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from US news | The Guardian http://bit.ly/2WaZSnf