【By Observer Net, Qi Qian】
After the Sino-US economic and trade negotiations in Kuala Lumpur, the EU is very anxious, fearing that it may not be included in the list of Chinese "suspension of rare earth export controls". Recently, the EU has frequently met with Chinese representatives to confirm the situation.
According to Reuters, on November 5th local time, the European Commission's Commissioner for Trade and Economic Security, Šefčovič, stated that the EU has established a "special communication channel" with China to ensure the supply of rare earth materials crucial to EU industries.
Šefčovič was attending the 2025 Gulf Cooperation Council-EU Business Forum in Kuwait.
When responding to a question from Reuters, he said that he had repeatedly discussed this matter directly with China. He emphasized to China that if the management of rare earth export procedures is not well handled, the EU's production and manufacturing would face "very negative impacts."
Šefčovič said that after repeated discussions, China agreed to prioritize processing applications from European companies through this "special communication channel", and officials from both sides are cooperating to review and accelerate the export licenses for rare earth materials. He also revealed that since China implemented export controls, European companies have submitted about 2,000 applications, of which just over half have been approved.
He continued to say that the EU will continue to urge China to speed up processing the remaining applications, while working to diversify rare earth supplies by developing local resources in Europe, including rare earth and magnet production in Estonia.
Šefčovič speaking at an event X account
Rare earths are known as "industrial vitamins," serving as key raw material support for strategic industries such as advanced weapons and equipment, aerospace components, wind power generation, new energy vehicles, robots, and smart manufacturing. Over the past 30 years, China has always had a dominant position in the mining and refining of rare earths.
China imposed export controls on rare earths earlier this year, triggering concerns in Europe about potential interruptions in rare earth supplies.
According to data from the International Energy Agency, in 2023, China accounted for more than 60% of global rare earth mine output, but its control over the processing stage accounted for 92% of global production, almost having a monopolistic control over the global rare earth processing sector. Some European media previously pointed out that for the EU, reducing dependence on China is a difficult task, as China has already established a "de facto monopoly" in the rare earth sector.
Currently, the EU is developing emergency plans, including increasing local mineral production, diversifying supplier networks, and reusing certain materials, while planning to establish a joint procurement and strategic reserve center. However, European officials admitted that there is no quick solution.
Both China and the US held economic and trade negotiations and summit meetings in Kuala Lumpur and Busan respectively, with rare earths becoming a focal point of discussion.
After the meeting, the spokesperson for the Ministry of Commerce of China answered questions from journalists regarding the joint arrangements of the Sino-US economic and trade negotiations in Kuala Lumpur, stating that China will suspend the implementation of relevant export control measures announced on October 9th for one year, and will study detailed specific plans. The White House also released a "results statement document."
However, according to a report by the South China Morning Post, after the White House released a document on November 1st, the EU judged that the U.S. statement about China suspending the export controls on rare earths and other key minerals does not include the EU's industry.
In this context, the EU has recently frequently met with Chinese representatives to confirm the situation.
According to the website of the Ministry of Commerce, from October 31st to November 1st, Director Jiang Qianliang of the Bureau of Security and Control of the Ministry of Commerce and Deputy Director General Laidongne of the Directorate-General for Trade of the European Commission held a "upgraded" Sino-European export control dialogue meeting in Brussels. Both sides had in-depth and constructive communications on mutual concerns in the field of export control. Both sides agreed to maintain communication and exchanges to promote the stability and smoothness of the Sino-European industrial chain and supply chain.
At a press conference held on November 3rd local time, the European Commission confirmed that although the EU believes that the measures taken by China to suspend the expansion of the April rare earth export restrictions in October cover "global", they are still negotiating the details of the past with China. The next day (4th), the European Commission stated that EU officials discussed general licenses, seeking China to relax rare earth exports to the EU.
Regarding the rare earth issue, China has clearly stated its position. On October 21st, Minister Wang Wentao held a video conference with Šefčovič upon request, stating that the recent measures regarding rare earth export controls are normal practices of China to improve its export control system in accordance with laws and regulations, reflecting China's responsibility as a major country in maintaining world peace and stability. China is committed to maintaining the safety and stability of the global industrial supply chain and has always provided approval convenience for EU companies.
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