A key pain point is yttrium, used in coatings that keep engines and turbines from melting at high temperatures. Since Reuters first reported about yttrium shortages in November, prices have jumped 60% and are now about 69 times as high as a year ago. Executives at two North American firms that buy yttrium to make coatings told Reuters they have needed to temporarily pause production due to shortages. PRODUCTION PRESSUREWhile low yttrium supplies have not hurt engine production, manufacturers remain concerned, said aerospace supply chain specialist Kevin Michaels. "The US currently has zero domestic scandium production and no operational alternative sources outside China," Patel said, adding that stockpiles are likely in months rather than years.

Source: The Telegraph February 26, 2026 05:27 UTC