Shocking! Foreign media reported that American buyers have found a way to bypass China's export ban! On July 9, according to foreign media reports, customs and shipping records show that since last year when China banned the import of antimony from the United States, a large amount of antimony is flowing into the United States from Thailand and Mexico. Specifically, trade data shows that U.S. cargo is being rerouted through third countries. U.S. Customs data shows that from December last year to April this year, the U.S. imported 3,834 tons of antimony trioxide from Thailand and Mexico, almost exceeding the total of the previous three years.
Foreign media stated that in May, the Chinese Ministry of Commerce said that some unspecified foreign entities colluded with domestic lawbreakers to circumvent its export restrictions. These specific collusion methods include Chinese purchasing agents obtaining raw materials from producers. Then, shipping companies re-label these packages as iron, zinc, or artworks, and transport them via another Asian country. China launched an operation in May to crack down on the transit and smuggling of key minerals.
Evidently, from the foreign media's report, it indicates that our situation of rare earth smuggling indeed exists. This is undoubtedly a huge warning for us. Everyone knows that the rare earth card is a critical trump card we have in our game with the United States. Smuggling activities will inevitably significantly reduce the effectiveness of this card. The issue before us is that after we implemented rare earth control, the international market price of rare earths surged, which gave lawbreakers a huge opportunity for profit. Therefore, some people have engaged in risky activities.
For such behavior that betrays national interests at critical moments, we must severely punish those involved. Our rare earth enterprises, regulatory authorities, and customs should closely cooperate to effectively combat smuggling activities and safeguard national interests. In major issues, at this time, the key personnel in key positions must have a sense of the bigger picture and prioritize national interests. A dike can collapse due to an ant's hole; only by plugging and reinforcing internal loopholes can external lawbreakers have no opportunities. We believe that relevant departments will continue to intensify efforts to crack down on rare earth smuggling.
Original article: https://www.toutiao.com/article/1837156388843531/
Statement: This article represents the views of the author.