Mexican Media Brands
China Hints It Could Embargo Rare Earth Minerals to U.S.
China hints it might counter a U.S. escalation in the trade war between the countries by restricting exports of its rare earth minerals used in electric cars and consumer electronics.
#economics #electronics
Share
China hints that it might counter a U.S. escalation in the trade war between the countries by restricting exports of its rare earth minerals used in electric cars and consumer electronics.
China produces more than 95% of the world’s rare earths, the Japan Times notes. The U.S. relies on China for roughly 80% of its imports of the minerals.
In a “routine” inspection of a rare earths company earlier this week, China President Xi Jinping pointedly observed that rare earth minerals are “an important strategic resource, but also a nonrenewable resource.” Observers say the timing of his tour—two weeks after the U.S. imposed 25% tariffs on $250 billion worth of Chinese goods—was no accident.
The Trump administration has threatened to impose tariffs on another $325 billion worth of goods from China if the two countries fail to reach a meaningful trade deal soon. So far, the U.S. levies have excluded rare earths from China.
JT says China appears reluctant to make rare earths a weapon in the trade war, because it would accelerate develop efforts by customers to find alternative materials.
RELATED CONTENT
-
On Urban Transport, the Jeep Grand Wagoneer, Lamborghini and more
Why electric pods may be the future of urban transport, the amazing Jeep Grand Wagoneer, Lamborghini is a green pioneer, LMC on capacity utilization, an aluminum study gives the nod to. . .aluminum, and why McLaren is working with TUMI.
-
on the Genesis GV60 interior, EV sales in H1, Bentley Bentayga's wood work, Faurecia's advanced manufacturing & more
The strange glowing orb in the Genesis GV60. . .global EV sales in the first half. . .creating wood for the Bentayga interior. . .the importance of material handling at Faurecia. . .lux ATPs. . .fast Porsche. . .fast Lambo. . .the Avalon Hybrid. . .Silverado steel. . .
-
On Quantum Navigation, EVs, Auto Industry Sales and more
Sandia’s quantum navi, three things about EVs, transporting iron ore in an EV during the winter, going underwater in an EV (OK, it is a sub), state of the UK auto industry (sad), why the Big Three likes Big Vehicles, and the future of logistics.