Supply-Chain Shifts in Aerospace and Critical Minerals

Western efforts to diversify critical-mineral supply chains are accelerating while aerospace firms face renewed quality and safety scrutiny.

Diplomatic and commercial moves, including a U.S.-Australia mining agreement and a U.S. pledge of more than $1 billion to bolster Congo’s critical-minerals supply chain, aim to reduce dependence on China’s dominant rare-earth and critical-metal production. China’s partial relaxation of export controls has not eased concerns; industry leaders and governments emphasize continued investment in alternative sources, and major suppliers such as Safran plan significant procurement increases from India through 2030.

In aerospace, Airbus has dispatched inspectors and its suppliers have pledged corrective action after identified quality lapses on A320 fuselage panels and related parts. The FAA has ordered extra checks on a door component for A320 operators. Meanwhile Boeing completed its $4.7 billion acquisition of Spirit AeroSystems as the industry consolidates amid production and safety pressures. Recent cargo accidents prompted investigations that found fatigue cracks in engine mounts and have led to lawsuits.

Across the sector, firms are investing in digital tools—agentic AI, virtual twins, multi-tier mapping, and additive manufacturing—to strengthen forecasting, visibility and resilience in complex global supply chains.