Not Just Rare Earths – Is This China’s Next Economic Weapon?

China's control over the fluorine value chain is emerging as a significant economic and geopolitical weapon, rivaling its well-known influence over rare earths. Fluorine is crucial for a wide range of industries, from pharmaceuticals to electronics, making China's dominance over its supply chain a strategic advantage. This leverage could enable China to exert pressure on nations dependent on its fluorine exports, shaping international trade dynamics and sparking concerns about supply chain vulnerabilities. Understanding this shift is vital as it highlights how China continues to expand its economic influence through less scrutinized but equally impactful resources.