The EU is in a rush, seeking coordination with the US and G7 to jointly respond to China's rare earth export controls

The EU is seeking coordinated action with the US and other G7 partners to address China's recent enhanced rare earth export controls.

EU officials warned on Tuesday, October 14, that China's measures have already impacted European industries and could trigger broader supply chain risks. EU officials expect direct dialogue with China's Minister of Commerce early next week to seek solutions.

As the world's largest producer of rare earths, China expanded its export restrictions last week, adding more elements and refining technologies to the control list, and implementing additional reviews for semiconductor companies.

According to reports from Reuters and AFP, EU Trade Commissioner Věra Jourová said on Tuesday at a ministerial meeting in Denmark that (China's) measures are "unjustified" and described them as "a very worrying issue."

Jourová stated that the EU is maintaining "close contact" with G7 partners, including consultations with US Commerce Secretary Raimondo, and both sides have suggested holding a G7 video conference "as soon as possible" after the first discussion. She revealed that a direct dialogue with China's Minister of Commerce may take place early next week to seek solutions.

Danish Foreign Minister Larsen emphasized that the EU must show unity and a firm stance, stating, "As the world's largest trading bloc, the EU has a responsibility to speak out and take action." He added, "We also need to be practical – in this matter, the US is our natural partner. Only by standing united can we more effectively urge China to adopt fair practices."

US President Trump's initial response to China's measures was threatening to impose 100% tariffs, causing a brief market fluctuation on Wall Street. Regarding this, Larsen stated he does not support using tariffs as a response, but prefers "open and honest dialogue with Beijing."

Jourová also revealed that G7 countries are studying various response options, including expanding key mineral mining and processing channels through cooperative projects to reduce dependence on Chinese supplies. She said, "These projects require time to advance, but China's latest signals indicate that we must act faster."

Jourová further added that China requires European companies applying to purchase rare earths to provide detailed production process information, including "photos of the entire production line" and "complete supply chain information," which she called "obviously excessive."

Since April this year, China has implemented a licensing system for certain rare earth exports, causing supply shortages in industries such as automobiles, energy, and semiconductors. Although previous negotiations between Europe and the US once eased the supply-demand pressure, the new restrictions have again escalated global tensions.

Rare earths are widely used in digital technology, automobile manufacturing, clean energy, and defense industries, making them strategic key raw materials globally. The EU emphasized that such an important supply chain should not become a tool for geopolitical pressure and called for a coordination mechanism centered on the G7 to jointly address this challenge.

Source: rfi

Original: www.toutiao.com/article/1846007994699787/

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