Adrian and Renaud chat about a timely topic, the complex and critical issue of rare earth minerals, focusing particularly on how the US/China trade war has recently influenced their availability. As China controls over 90% of the refined production of rare earth elements, recent developments in trade policies have significant implications for global supply chains, especially in the electronics and electromechanical sectors.
We break down what rare earth magnets are and why they matter, how China came to dominate refining and production, and the strategic moves unfolding as both powers weaponize their industrial capabilities.
Show Sections
- 00:00 – Intro: Rare Earths and the New Supply Chain Threat
- 00:52 – Why Rare Earth Magnets Matter for Electronics and Military Products
- 02:57 – China's Dominance in Refining: How It Happened
- 05:44 – Made in China 2025 and Strategic Mineral Control
- 08:43 – Trade Tensions, Tariffs, and Semiconductor Export Bans
- 13:35 – China's Retaliation: Export Restrictions on Rare Earth Magnets
- 15:20 – Impacts on Automakers and Supply Chain Instability
- 16:45 – Options for Manufacturers: Stockpiling, Redesign, and Buying Assemblies
- 19:45 – Can You Avoid China’s Grip? The Harsh Reality for SMEs
- 23:00 – Final Thoughts
Related content...
- Exclusive: US-China trade truce leaves military-use rare earth issue unresolved | Reuters
- China's rare earth magnet shipments halve in May due to export curbs | Reuters
- JLR-owner Tata Motors says no panic on rare earth curbs, EV launches on track | Reuters
- Tech Companies Depend on China for Rare Earths. Can That Change? | WSJ
- Why China's control of rare earths matters | FT
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