重拳出击！美国被中国严查走私稀土的力度惊到了，网友：早该严打

Core Viewpoint - The tightening of China's customs regulations on rare earth exports has significantly increased the difficulty of smuggling operations, leading to a crackdown on illegal activities and a rise in international rare earth prices, which has implications for global supply chains and military production [1][5][11]. Group 1: Smuggling Operations and Crackdown - The Chinese customs authorities have launched multiple operations resulting in the dismantling of 17 smuggling gangs and the seizure of 320 tons of rare earth materials, valued at over 230 million yuan [1][3]. - Smuggling methods have become increasingly sophisticated, with rare earths hidden in container layers or disguised as ordinary stones, but these attempts are being thwarted by advanced customs technology [3][9]. - The U.S. experts have noted that China's anti-smuggling network is significantly more effective than anticipated, with a tenfold increase in detection capabilities [5]. Group 2: Global Rare Earth Market Impact - China's rare earth reserves account for 40% of global supply, and the country has historically exported these materials at low prices, which has led to dependency from Western countries, particularly in military applications [5][11]. - The international prices of rare earths have surged threefold since 2023, causing U.S. defense contractors to rely on strategic reserves, with significant implications for military production lines like the F-35 [5][7]. Group 3: Smuggling Routes and Techniques - Southeast Asia has emerged as a transit point for smuggled Chinese rare earths, with U.S. companies allegedly laundering these materials through countries like Vietnam and Myanmar [7]. - In April 2025, U.S. customs seized 25 tons of antimony ingots disguised as hardware components, highlighting the ongoing risks associated with rare earth smuggling [7]. Group 4: Technological and Strategic Concerns - Chinese authorities have intercepted attempts to smuggle rare earth purification technology, indicating a broader concern over the theft of technological advancements [11]. - The U.S. is facing challenges in developing its own rare earth mining operations, with environmental costs and reliance on Chinese processing capabilities complicating the situation [13][15].