Foreign media: Rare earths are widely used in consumer electronics, electric vehicles, wind turbines, and fighter jets, and China controls the global supply chain.
70 years ago, the United States was the leading producer of rare earth magnets globally, but by the early 2000s, the last major commercial high-performance magnet manufacturer was sold, allowing China to establish its dominant position.
In 2010, due to a territorial dispute between China and Japan, China once suspended exports of rare earths to Japan, causing prices to surge, prompting countries to reassess their reliance on China. However, demand for rare earth permanent magnets remains strong in areas such as mobile phones, electric vehicles, wind power, and defense systems, making alternatives difficult.
In April 2025, China tightened export controls on magnets and seven types of rare earths (including samarium, dysprosium, and terbium). According to data from the U.S. Department of Energy, in 2020, the United States accounted for 16% of global rare earth minerals, while China accounted for 60%.
Original: www.toutiao.com/article/1839901987749892/
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