The New York Times reported recently that the Chinese government was to halt exports of six rare earth elements that are refined entirely in China.

It will also cease to export certain specialized powerful rare earth magnets currently manufactured almost exclusively in China, which is responsible for 90% of global production.

The raw materials and specialized magnets are key for high-tech sectors such as the manufacture of cars, robots, and military equipment like drones and missiles.

China is developing a regulatory system that will require companies to apply for licenses to obtain certain raw materials, a drastic move will have a significant effect not only on the United States but also on Europe. For years now, countries have sought to reduce their dependence on China for critical raw materials, triggering a global race to secure reliable alternative supplies.

Europe is also coming to terms with the fact that trading with the US has itself become a risk factor. The European Union imports several critical raw materials from the US. For example, around two-thirds of the beryllium used in the EU currently comes from the US, something the EU considers a strategic resource.

In 2024, the EU also imported nearly 70% of its cobalt products, almost 60% of its copper alloys and silver powder and around half of its molybdenum concentrates from the US. The German Raw Materials Agency (DERA) classifies all these........

© Deutsche Welle