A growing competition for rare-earth elements (REEs) could soon hamstring a wide swath of the aerospace industry, from companies that build precision guided-weapon systems to suppliers for commercial widebody jets. The commercial aviation industry has long relied on REEs because they give materials enhanced strength and durability. They are used in everything from tires, avionics and jet engine coatings to actuators and airframe alloys. But demand is beginning to outstrip supply as more and more of the elements are needed to support production of hybrid vehicles, smart phones and other consumer products. And China, the world's dominant supplier of REEs, is beginning to limit their export to ensure they will be available to feed the nation's growing economy.
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