China’s stranglehold on rare earths must be ended, says hopeful supplier to EU

Live updates

1. 1d ago

   Western Firms Target China Rare Earth Dominance as Shipments to US Fall

   Western companies are attempting to break China's control over rare earth minerals through new supply chains and partnerships. Viridis intends to supply the European Union, while REalloys and JS Link have formed a North American platform to challenge Chinese magnet dominance. These efforts coincide with a decline in Chinese rare earth shipments to the US ahead of a summit between Presidents Xi and Trump. Meanwhile, China's trade limits continue to impact imports in Japan, despite Chinese officials claiming they support global supply chain stability.

   Why it matters

   Rare earths are essential for high-tech magnets and green energy transitions. China currently maintains a dominant grip on the market, allowing it to use trade limits as geopolitical leverage. Diversification efforts aim to reduce dependence on a single source for these critical minerals.

   What is confirmed

   • Chinese rare earth shipments to the US decreased before a meeting between Presidents Xi and Trump.
   • China continues to maintain a grip on critical minerals despite US investments.

   Still unconfirmed

   • Viridis plans to supply rare earths to the EU.
   • REalloys and JS Link united to challenge China's rare earth magnet dominance with a North American platform.
   • China's trade limits are affecting Japan's rare earth imports.
   • China's Foreign Minister claims the country works to maintain the security of global critical mineral supply chains.

   What to watch next

   • Outcome of the Xi-Trump summit regarding mineral trade
   • Implementation of the Viridis supply chain to the EU
   • Production volumes from the REalloys and JS Link North American platform
   Sources used for this update (8)

   1. The Guardian — China’s stranglehold on rare earths must be ended, says hopeful supplier to EU | Critical minerals
   2. Bloomberg.com — China Rare-Earth Magnet Exports to US Drop Before Xi-Trump Meet
   3. South China Morning Post — China’s trade limits continue to bite into Japan’s rare earth imports
   4. Reuters — US invests in critical minerals but China maintains grip
   5. careplusvn.com — REalloys and JS Link Unite to Challenge China's Rare Earth Magnet Dominance with North American Platform - Earnings Per Share
   6. Financial Times — Chinese rare earth shipments to US drop ahead of Trump-Xi summit
   7. ua.news — Viridis plans to supply rare earths to the EU — The Guardian
   8. globaltimes.cn — China consistently works to maintain stability, security of global critical mineral supply chains: FM on US rare-earth claim
   confidence 70%