Block the export of the most valuable rare lands

For many years China has produced More than 90% of rare earths. Australia, Vietnam, Myanmar, Canada, Brazil, Tanzania or the US, among other countries, also produce these metals, but the largest deposits located so far of these elements reside in China. And, curiously, the country led by Xi Jinping too The processing industry dominates to which it is necessary to submit rare earth so that they can be used. So much so that its quota if we stick to the global processing industry amounts to 90%.

Anyway, with a production of at least 70% of the global market and a 90% control of the rare earth processing industry, China has the pan well grabbed by the handle. As much as the US and its allies. In fact, during the last year and a half this Asian country has used its dominance over rare earths as a pressure tool over its rivals. On December 21, 2023, the administration led by Xi Jinping decided to restrict export of some of its rare earth processing technologies, and this was only the tip of the iceberg.

China has completely arrested the export of rare criticisms

The last kick linked to these important metals was given by China to the US on April 4. Just 24 hours after Donald Trump announced the taxes that he was going to apply to the importation of most products from abroad, the administration led by Xi Jinping replied. And he did it with forcefulness. In early December 2024 He chose to prohibit The export of some critical minerals to the US, among which were three essential metals for the chips industry: Gallium, Germanio and Antimony.

Just ten days ago the Chinese government added two more critical metals to its list of export restrictions: Scandio and Disposio. These chemical elements are probably less known than metals prohibited by China previously, such as Gallium or Germanio, but are at least as important as the latter because They have a fundamental role In the industries of integrated circuits, telecommunications and the manufacture of storage devices.

Now, just a week and a half later, the administration led by Xi Jinping has not hesitated to take another step forward with the purpose of putting in check, in addition to the industries that I just mentioned, those of electric cars, aeronautics and advanced armament. And is that, according to The New York Timeshas effectively suspended, in addition to the export of the most valuable rare earths, that of high -power magnets that have a critical role in the industries that I have cited in this same paragraph.

On April 4 China announced that it would take this step, but it is now when the Chinese authorities are retaining in the ports throughout the country not only rare earths, but also High power magnets Acquired by electric cars manufacturers throughout the planet, aerospace companies, chip factories and armament companies.

Many of these organizations have high -power magnet reserves made with rare earths, but possibly only allow them to subsist a few months. USA and their allies are trying rebuild rare earth supply chain To deactivate the ability to exert China, but in all likelihood they will not be able to implement these changes in the short term.

Image | Peggy Greb, US Department of Agriculture

More information | The New York Times

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