STRATEGIC MATERIALS
Material Intelligence
In-depth profiles of the critical materials shaping global supply chains, defense, and clean energy.
Each profile covers supply chain dynamics, demand breakdown, geopolitical risks, policy developments, and forward-looking signals. Built for analysts, investors, and decision-makers who need to understand these markets.
Semiconductor Metals
Gallium
Atomic #31
The backbone of III-V semiconductors powering 5G, defense electronics, and next-gen solar cells.
China Share
99%
US Import Dep.
100%
Germanium
Atomic #32
Essential for fiber optics, infrared imaging, and space solar cells — with no substitutes in sight.
China Share
80-85%
US Import Dep.
99%+
Battery Materials
Cobalt
Atomic #27
The battery stabilizer at the heart of the EV revolution — mined in the DRC, refined in China, contested everywhere.
China Share
73%
US Import Dep.
77%
Graphite
Atomic #6
The irreplaceable foundation of the EV revolution — making up 95% of a battery's anode, almost entirely processed in China.
China Share
77%
US Import Dep.
100%
Lithium
Atomic #3
The lightest metal and the irreplaceable foundation of the EV revolution.
China Share
65-72%
US Import Dep.
N/A
Nickel
Atomic #28
The backbone of stainless steel and the key to long-range EV batteries, dominated by Indonesian expansion.
China Share
N/A
US Import Dep.
N/A
Critical Minerals
Copper
Atomic #29
The backbone of electrification — every EV, wind turbine, power grid, and data center depends on it.
China Share
43%
US Import Dep.
N/A
Tungsten
Atomic #74
The hardest and most heat-resistant metal, suffering from one of the most extreme supply concentrations in the world.
China Share
≈83%
US Import Dep.
N/A
Precious Metals
Gold
Atomic #79
The ultimate monetary metal — powering central bank reserves, high-reliability electronics, and the world's oldest store of value.
China Share
N/A
US Import Dep.
N/A
Platinum
Atomic #78
The premier catalytic metal, heavily concentrated in South Africa and critical for the hydrogen economy.
China Share
N/A
US Import Dep.
N/A
Silver
Atomic #47
A structurally tight precious-industrial metal, driven to consecutive deficits by the explosive growth of photovoltaics.
China Share
N/A
US Import Dep.
N/A