To: Les H who wrote (46154 ) 6/5/2025 12:54:15 PM From: Les H Read Replies (1) | Respond to China’s rare earth restrictions halt first auto industry production lines Dominic Preston early April as part of its tit-for-tat responses to Donald Trump’s new tariffs. While most of those tariffs have since been temporarily paused , the rare earth restrictions remain in place worldwide, which is a problem since China is estimated to control more than 90 percent of the rare earth supply chain .Nikkei reportsAccording to The New York Times that’s had a knock on effect, with some magnet manufacturers in China pausing production while waiting for exports to resume, which could cause more shortages in the future.robotics and defense, with auto manufacturers at particular risk. Rare earth magnets are essential for hybrid and EV motors, but are also found in everything from catalytic converters to car seats. The Times reports that US auto executives are warning that production could be cut back within weeks, while after a first warning last week , several European part suppliers have already begun to stop work.in a statement . “We urgently call on both the EU and Chinese authorities to engage in a constructive dialogue to ensure the licensing process is transparent, proportionate, and aligned with international norms.”theverge.com
