There is no telling how the trade talks between the U.S. and China will pan out but China appears to be sitting at the table with a persuasive advantage: It has a global monopoly on samarium, a rare earth mineral that has magnetic properties and can withstand high temperatures. The U.S. military is dependent on the substance for its fighter jets.

Key Takeaways MP Materials stock is rising in premarket trading Tuesday after a nearly 8% jump yesterday as the U.S. and China launched new trade talks.Officials have said a priority of the talks is getting restrictions lifted on the trade of rare-earth metals,