Rare earths

All news and posts of our editorial team on the topic

EU unveiled plans to secure raw materials
Brussels wants to reduce its dependence on China for key raw materials. To achieve this, the EU is to cover a significant share of its demand for critical raw materials on its own by 2030. To achieve this, local value chains are to be rapidly strengthened. A first draft of how to achieve this has been presented by the Brussels-based authority. continue reading →
German trade with China at record high
Despite all political warnings of excessive dependence, German trade with China rose to a record level last year. Goods worth around €298 billion were traded between the two countries. This is an increase of around 21 percent compared to 2021, according to current data from the Federal Statistical Office. The statistics authority thus confirms data […] continue reading →
China advances iron ore project
The government of Guinea has announced plans to develop the Simandou iron ore mine. The mountain range in southern Guinea is believed to contain the largest untapped deposit of high-grade iron ore. The mine could thus become the largest on the continent. A port and rail infrastructure are also planned. Commodity companies Rio Tinto and […] continue reading →
EU wants to secure critical raw materials
In early March, the EU Commission plans to present its legislative package on securing the supply of critical raw materials. For the Swedish Council Presidency, the matter is a top priority. It is also intended to reduce dependence on China. continue reading →
Rare earths: The find in Sweden does not save us
Record rare earth discovery in Europe: The find in Sweden sparks euphoria. But the quantities will be used up quickly. continue reading →
USA wants to reduce its dependence on China
The US wants to reduce its dependence on China for key import goods such as rare earth elements or solar cells. US Secretary of the Treasury Janet Yellen said this on Monday during her visit to South Korea. To this end, she will work to strengthen trade ties with South Korea and other trusted allies, […] continue reading →
Germany remains dependent on Chinese raw materials
German imports of raw materials from the People's Republic have not declined – despite appeals to reduce dependencies. It is difficult to turn away as long as prices are low and trade relations are reliable. Comparisons with Russian gas come to mind. continue reading →
Steinmeier: Germany is too dependent on China
German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier warns that Germany is becoming too dependent on China. “In some strategically important fields, our dependence on Chinese raw materials is significantly greater than our dependence on Russian gas,” Steinmeier said in Hamburg at the ceremony marking the 100th anniversary of the Überseeclub, which promotes democracy and international understanding. Germany is […] continue reading →
Ifo: Reduce raw material dependence on China
Batteries, robotics, renewable energies: Germany is dependent on imports of raw materials for many key technologies, according to an Ifo study – often from individual supplier countries such as China. “Urgent action is needed for crisis-proof supply chains for nine critical minerals,” concluded Lisandra Flach, Head of the Ifo Center for International Economics, from the […] continue reading →
Yellen plans to lift China tariffs
US Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen has voiced her support to the Biden administration for the abolition of some tariffs on Chinese imports, Reuters reports. Some of the levies “aren’t very strategic” and harm US companies and consumers.The tariffs introduced under former US President Trump have nothing to do with the problems the US has with […] continue reading →
Putin’s theft of high-tech raw materials
Ukraine is the largest supplier of rare earth elements and other raw materials for the European high-tech sector. The EU originally wanted to become less dependent on China when it came to procuring industrial minerals - and has relied primarily on Ukraine for this purpose. China has also sought access to rare earth and noble gas deposits. Putin's war of aggression has now thwarted the plans on both sides. Will the valuable deposits now fall into Russia's hands? continue reading →
Prices for rare earths at record level
Rare earth prices in China have risen to record levels. A price index of the China Rare Earth Industry Association, which measures the prices of 21 rare earths and combination products, has increased by 99 percent compared to the same period last year, as reported by the business portal Caixin. According to the report, the […] continue reading →
‘China is taking big steps towards becoming a world standardization power’
Beijing's "China Standards 2035" initiative has caused experts to turn heads. The project shows that China has discovered standardization as an industrial, geopolitical and power-political instrument. The EU Chamber of Commerce in China will present a report on standardization in the People's Republic on Thursday. Germany and the EU still have some catching up to do, especially in key technologies, says Sibylle Gabler, Director Government Relations at the German Institute for Standardization (DIN). Speaking to Amelie Richter, however, she gives the all-clear: China is still a long shot from reaching superiority. But there is still a lot of work to be done. continue reading →
Magnesium deficiency threatens European economy
Magnesium is an important element in aluminum production. But as a result of its power crisis, China stopped production. In Europe, various manufacturers are now at risk of running out in the short term. And Europe receives 95 percent of its magnesium from China. There are no easy solutions. continue reading →
Rare Earths: EU should invest 200 million annually
The EU should boost European production of rare earth magnets, which are essential for electric cars and wind turbines, with a support fund worth €200 million a year. This is what the European Raw Materials Alliance (ERMA) called for on Thursday. The aim is to reduce dependence on China.According to ERMA, producers should receive tax […] continue reading →
Beijing senses opportunities in Afghanistan
US President Joe Biden is bringing America's soldiers stationed in Afghanistan back home. The withdrawal is to be completed by the end of August. And a new player is already making its move. China wants to use the resulting vacuum for its own benefit. continue reading →
NGO: smuggling of jade from Myanmar
Up to 90 percent of the jade mined in Myanmar is smuggled to China, according to a report by the non-governmental organization Global Witness. The organization accuses China of being massively involved in financing the military regime in Myanmar. Global Witness, in its report released on Tuesday, called on China to acknowledge its role in […] continue reading →
LFP: advantage for China in the battery market
LFP as a cathode material for lithium-ion batteries once marked the beginning of an emerging Chinese battery industry. Now, first Tesla boss Elon Musk and then Volkswagen have announced their intention to rely more on LFP in the future. The main reasons for this are cost pressure, raw material availability, and expiring patents. And once again, Chinese companies could benefit from the trend. continue reading →