China's high-end technological shortcomings in the rare earth industry are becoming evident, and its international patent portfolio still falls short.

China's dominant position in rare earth mining, refining, and export has long been regarded as a strategic advantage; however, a new study by researchers indicates that China's rare earth industry still faces significant shortcomings in advanced core technologies. The research, published in the latest issue of Proceedings of the Chinese Academy of Sciences, shifts focus from resource reserves and production capacity to high-end rare earth functional materials technology, arguing that key patents supporting advanced rare earth functional materials are still primarily held by Japan and the United States. Downstream compounds and components made from processed rare earths—including permanent magnet materials, catalytic materials, luminescent materials, and polishing materials—account for over 80% of global rare earth-related patents and represent the most commercially valuable application areas within the industry. The study suggests that raw material advantages do not automatically translate into high-value technological leadership. Despite China supplying over 60% of global rare earth products, its international patent portfolio remains insufficient, with a relatively low proportion of high-value patents, limiting its competitiveness in downstream segments and core technological areas of the industrial chain.

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Original article: toutiao.com/article/1870207898254347/

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