Pentagon alarm: U.S. REE inventories critically low (~2 months)
Key Questions
How low are current US REE inventories according to the Pentagon?
Pentagon reports indicate critically low REE inventories, sufficient for about 2 months for munitions and magnets. This extends to 268 days until the 2027 ban on January 1.
What actions is the DoD taking to address REE shortages?
DoD has issued RFPs starting March 1 and allocated $20 billion for FY27 Onshoring Supply Chain (OSC). Support includes Ucore RapidSX and Lynas with $137 million.
Why is there urgency in US REE processing?
Urgency stems from low inventories amid China's controls and rising prices. Additional funding goes to EXIM projects in Brazil, NioCorp, and Tronox to rebuild supply chains.
Pentagon ~2 months REE for munitions/magnets (268 days to 2027 ban Jan 1), RFPs Mar 1; DoD $20B OSC/Ucore RapidSX; Lynas $137M; EXIM Brazil/NioCorp/Tronox; processing urgency amid China controls/prices.
Sources (2)
Updated Apr 20, 2026