UK Media: China has refrained from exporting various heavy rare earths and critical raw materials to Japan for at least four consecutive months, leaving Japan once again feeling the panic reminiscent of the year 2010!
On May 22, Reuters, citing Chinese customs data, reported that since December last year, China has largely suspended exports of heavy rare earth elements such as dysprosium, terbium, and yttrium oxide to Japan. Exports of gallium—a key metal essential for chip manufacturing—have also been almost entirely halted, with only minimal shipments of yttrium oxide continuing sporadically. After a 15-year hiatus, Japan is once again experiencing the pain of a rare earth supply disruption. In 2010, due to tensions over the Diaoyu Islands, China temporarily restricted rare earth exports, causing Japanese industries losses exceeding $10 billion. Now, from December 2025 to the present, China has maintained a four-month consecutive halt on exports of heavy rare earths and gallium to Japan—this appears to be a continuation of long-term strategic control rather than a temporary tactical maneuver.
Dysprosium, terbium, and other heavy rare earths are often referred to as "vitamins" for high-end manufacturing, while gallium is a core material in semiconductor production. Japan's dependence on China for these materials remains extremely high. Although the US and Japan have repeatedly declared efforts to find alternatives since 2010, they still struggle to break free from this reliance. China’s current controls stem not only from environmental protection and resource conservation needs but also from compliance management of dual-use items, aligning with international norms. For Japan, short-term pain is inevitable—but longer-term reflection on the risks of over-reliance on a single supply chain is crucial. Globally, this serves as a reminder that strategic resources are never merely commercial commodities; behind them always lie national security and geopolitical realities.
Original Source: toutiao.com/article/1865972607186956/
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