China's export lockdown: How you can profit NOW with Almonty Industries, Standard Lithium, and MP Materials

Almonty Industries – A strategic raw materials partner

In a time of geopolitical tensions, the supply of critical raw materials such as tungsten is coming into focus. Almonty Industries has positioned itself as a key player outside China in this area. With its Sangdong mine in South Korea, the Company is tapping into one of the largest tungsten deposits in the world. The metal is indispensable for high-tech, defense, and the industry of the future. As China dominates the market, a reliable alternative for Western countries is rapidly gaining in importance. Almonty's project promises to cover a significant portion of non-Chinese demand. In addition, the property has molybdenum deposits, and purchase agreements with minimum prices already exist for both raw materials.

The strategic relevance for the West is underlined by the targeted move of the Company's headquarters from Canada to the US. This change, accompanied by the NASDAQ listing, makes Almonty the only significant US-based tungsten producer. This is not a matter of relocating production, which would indeed be too expensive, but rather a clear political and economic connection. This makes the Company a much closer and more reliable partner for US authorities and defense companies.

Despite the close ties, management attaches great importance on maintaining operational independence. The Company aims to finance its expansion primarily through cash flows and favorable project loans. It remains cautious about direct capital participation by the US government in order to preserve entrepreneurial flexibility and maintain a clear focus on shareholder interests. Instead, Almonty has created the option to access new capital flexibly by filing a preliminary base shelf prospectus and a registration statement with the relevant authorities. For investors, Almonty is therefore a bet on the ongoing geo-economic trends, supported by a unique mining project and a smart strategic positioning. The stock is currently trading at USD 6.95 on the NASDAQ.

Standard Lithium – Lithium made in the USA

New regulations from China are currently causing movement in the lithium market. From November 2025, exports of high-tech battery components and advanced production technology will be subject to stricter controls. This is bringing domestic producers such as Standard Lithium in the US into focus. The Company is pursuing a clever approach. Instead of traditional mining, it relies on direct extraction from existing industrial facilities. In Arkansas, it filters lithium cost-effectively from brine, which is a by-product of bromine production. This method not only circumvents lengthy approval procedures but is also significantly more environmentally friendly than conventional methods. For investors, this means lower project risks and a faster path to market maturity.

The flagship project in the Smackover Formation is showing concrete progress. The published feasibility study shows a net present value of USD 1.7 billion and operating costs in the lower global quartile. The strategic partnership with Lanxess secures access to lithium-bearing brine without exploration costs. In addition, Koch Industries' investment strengthens the balance sheet and signals confidence in the technology. The expected investment decision will be an important milestone in the transition from development to commercial production.

The strategic importance of Standard Lithium goes beyond pure economic efficiency. With its direct lithium extraction process, the Company is positioning itself as a pioneer for a more independent US battery supply chain. A USD 225 million grant from the Department of Energy underscores this role. For investors, the picture is that of a technology-focused project developer with comparatively low capital expenditure, whose success does not depend on global trade flows, but on its own ability to scale its innovative processes. The stock is currently trading at USD 4.22, which is lower than its issue price of USD 4.35.

MP Materials – America's strategic move in the raw materials poker game

In a world driven by technology, rare earths are the new strategic commodity. MP Materials has established itself as a key player in the West. Not only does the Company operate the important Mountain Pass mine in California, but it also has its supply chain under control. From the extraction of the raw material to processing and the production of high-performance permanent magnets, it keeps everything under one roof. And these magnets? They are a real ace up the sleeve for key technologies of the future. Whether in electric vehicles, wind turbines for renewable energies, or in the defense industry, nothing works without them. This makes MP Materials much more than just a mine operator; it is a strategic infrastructure for the technological sovereignty of the US.

The US is feeling pressure from all sides. Geopolitical conflicts are escalating, and dependence on China is increasingly becoming an issue. The government is doing everything it can to boost domestic production. And who is playing a major role in this? Surprisingly, the Department of Defense, which is taking on a central role in a public-private partnership. This involves billions in investments, the construction of a magnet plant, and guaranteed purchase agreements. At the same time, MP Materials secured a long-term deal with Apple to supply recycled rare earths for millions of products. These partnerships with the government and industry not only create predictable revenues but also shield the Company from the typical price fluctuations of the raw materials market.

Operationally, the machine is running at full speed. NdPr production, essential for strong magnets, recently recorded a record increase of 119%. This operational leverage drove revenue up 84% in the last quarter. With over USD 1.9 billion in cash, the Company is in a strong financial position to finance its expansion plans. For investors, MP Materials is therefore a bet on the ongoing deglobalization of key industries and the establishment of a resilient Western supply chain, backed by political will and partnerships worth billions. The share price is currently USD 70.81.

Geopolitical upheavals and China's export restrictions are catapulting the supply of critical metals into the strategic spotlight. Almonty Industries is establishing itself as the only US-based tungsten producer, providing the West with a much-needed alternative. Standard Lithium is driving US battery supply chain independence through its innovative direct extraction technology in Arkansas. MP Materials, as an integrated rare earths producer, is closing the value chain for magnet production, becoming a cornerstone of America's strategic infrastructure. Together, these three companies represent key building blocks for more resilient supply chains and stand out as clear beneficiaries of this global paradigm shift.