On February 26, Reuters cited industry insiders stating that suppliers to US aerospace and semiconductor companies are facing severe challenges due to a shortage of rare earths, with some suppliers already refusing customer orders as a result. The shortage primarily focuses on niche rare earth elements such as yttrium and scandium. Although these elements are used in small quantities in defense technology, aerospace, and semiconductor sectors, they play a critical role. Kevin Michaels, an aerospace supply chain expert, pointed out that although the shortage of yttrium supply has not yet directly impacted jet engine production, manufacturers remain concerned. Dylan Patel, founder and CEO of semiconductor research firm SemiAnalysis, warned that US semiconductor manufacturers are running out of scandium inventories, which could jeopardize the production of next-generation 5G chips.