US EditionEU trying to end China rare earth dependence, Von der Leyen says
- On Saturday at the Berlin Global Dialogue conference, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen unveiled RESourceEU to coordinate joint purchasing, build shared stockpiles and finance strategic projects, warning the EU is ready to use all instruments if needed.
- This month, Beijing tightened controls on rare earth exports following its October 9 decision to expand restrictions, which Western governments link to the United States trade dispute.
- If you consider that over 90% of EU rare earth magnet use comes from China, the risks to industry are clear, with recycling capacity allowing some firms to reclaim up to 95 percent, while automotive, defence, Greentech and digital sectors face supply vulnerability.
- The controls have already ground some European production lines to a halt, prompting calls for a coordinated response as EU policymakers debate triggering the European Union's anti-coercion instrument, while Emmanuel Macron, French President, urged activating the `trade bazooka`.
- Von der Leyen said `The aim is to secure access to alternative sources of critical raw materials in the short, medium and long term for our European industries` and to speed up partnerships with Ukraine, Australia, Canada, Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, Chile and Greenland, emphasizing a circular economy approach.
80 Articles
80 Articles
China's tightening of the metal screw would also affect Europeans.
'Dependence on China for rare earths calls for a united front, which Trump has weakened'
COLUMN. By unveiling restrictions on the use of these minerals essential to industry, Xi Jinping demonstrates that he has the means to dictate terms to the rest of the world. Europeans must do everything possible to secure their supplies of these components, writes Le Monde columnist Stéphane Lauer.
China has drastically restricted the export of important raw materials, including rare earths. Current figures show the seriousness of the situation.
der Standard AT
der Standard DEIn response to Trump's punitive tariffs, Beijing restricts the export of important raw materials. European companies are also under pressure – and are far more than just collateral damage
Coverage Details
Bias Distribution
- 44% of the sources are Center
Factuality
To view factuality data please Upgrade to Premium
