China's export restrictions on rare earths brought parts of the global auto supply chain to a halt and U.S. President Donald Trump to the negotiating table. But at home, they're a big headache for companies already struggling with a slow economy.

Nissan and other major carmakers are slashing production due to a global shortage of rare earth elements triggered by China’s recent export restrictions.

The trade war between Washington and Beijing has been taken to the next level: China has stopped exporting critical minerals necessary for everyday technology.