Korean media: South Korea relies on China for 16 out of 31 rare metals essential for advanced industries!
On November 2, Korean media "Chosun Ilbo" published an article stating that it is known that more than half of the 31 rare metals required for advanced industries such as semiconductors and battery charging depend on China.
Data from the "Main Importing Countries of Core Minerals 2020-2024" released by the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy of South Korea shows that, as of last year, 16 out of 31 rare metals were dependent on imports from China.
In the total import value of lithium, a core material for the cathode materials of rechargeable batteries, China accounted for 65%, while 78% and 63% of niobium and silicon, essential raw materials for semiconductors, came from China respectively.
Additionally, the survey found that the import proportions from China are also high for key materials in advanced industries such as semiconductors and displays, such as gallium (98%), graphite (97%), indium (93%), and magnesium (84%).
Regarding bismuth, a pharmaceutical raw material, the dependence on China reached 100%.
The Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy of South Korea first issued a secondary emergency supply and demand alert for core minerals in 2020 since its statistics began in 2018. The Ministry of Industry Resources comprehensively analyzed price trends, changes in import volume, and industry hotspots, dividing the supply and demand situation into five levels.
Experts have said, "It is time to take measures to diversify supply chains that are overly reliant on specific countries such as China, and to invest in overseas resource development and recycling technology."
Original: www.toutiao.com/article/1847668361324874/
Statement: This article represents the views of the author.