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Tariff Wars Threaten Global Defense Supply Chains, Warns WTW

1/23/2026

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Summary

Story summary

The UK consultancy WTW reports that ongoing tariff wars and reliance on China pose major risks to the global defense sector.
The report notes dependence on Chinese materials, especially rare earths and electronics, creating significant supply chain vulnerabilities.
The report warns that China could retaliate by withholding critical minerals, risking defense interests, based on interviews with five industry executives from Australia, Europe, and North America.

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Story summary

The UK consultancy WTW reports that ongoing tariff wars and reliance on China pose major risks to the global defense sector.
The report notes dependence on Chinese materials, especially rare earths and electronics, creating significant supply chain vulnerabilities.
The report warns that China could retaliate by withholding critical minerals, risking defense interests, based on interviews with five industry executives from Australia, Europe, and North America.