Apple Recycling Magnet
Axios18 hrs
Apple, MP Materials Sign $500M Rare Earth Magnet Supply Deal
Above: The Mountain Pass mine, operated by MP Materials, in California, on June 7, 2019. Image copyright: Joe Buglewicz/Bloomberg/Getty Images
The Spin
Pro-establishment narrative
This partnership is a strategic win for American manufacturing, strengthening the nation's technological independence while reducing reliance on foreign supply chains, especially from China. The deal reflects the effectiveness of President Donald Trump's tariffs, pushing companies to invest in American jobs and secure critical resources domestically — helping to reduce China's grip on rare earths.
Establishment-critical narrative
This deal is a direct result of China curbing rare-earth exports in response to Trump's reckless tariffs. While Apple tries to spin this as a win for U.S. manufacturing, it's clear this would never have happened without Beijing's retaliatory actions. This deal is more about Apple trying to avoid future disruptions — costing consumers more — than any genuine commitment to securing production.