OREANDA-NEWS  The worsening shortage of rare earth metals such as scandium and yttrium has forced some American companies to curtail cooperation with customers and even stop production. This was reported by Reuters.

It is noted that these elements play a vital role in defense technology, aerospace, and semiconductors, and are almost entirely manufactured in China. However, despite the fact that China has allowed these exports, these metals almost never enter the American market.

The agency recalled that yttrium is used in coatings that prevent engines and turbines from melting at high temperatures. Engines cannot be operated without regular application of this element. Representatives of some companies interviewed by Reuters admitted that the shortage of yttrium forced them to stop production. Others refuse to cooperate with small clients in order to keep the big ones.