欧美稀土“慌”，凸显大国如何获得博弈筹码

Group 1 - The EU is lobbying China to establish a special channel for expedited approval of rare earth export licenses amid rising protectionism [1][2] - The U.S. and EU's protectionist measures are causing significant pressure on their industries, particularly in the automotive sector, due to China's strict rare earth export controls [3][4] - China has been strategically consolidating its rare earth industry since 2011, leading to a more optimized supply structure [4][6] Group 2 - China is expanding its rare earth industry into high-value downstream products, transitioning from primary products to critical manufacturing materials [5][6] - By 2024, China is projected to dominate global rare earth supply with shares of 68% for rare earth ores, 88% for rare earth oxides, and 92% for rare earth metals [6][8] - The complete rare earth supply chain in China positions it as a key player in the global market, especially as demand surges in sectors like electric vehicles and high-tech applications [10][12] Group 3 - The demand for rare earth elements is expected to rise significantly due to the explosive growth in the electric vehicle market, with projections of 17 million units sold globally by 2024 [12][13] - The U.S. military's reliance on rare earth elements for advanced weaponry highlights the strategic importance of these materials [16][18] - The increasing use of rare earth materials in humanoid robots and other high-tech applications further emphasizes the critical nature of these resources [20][21] Group 4 - China's recent export controls on rare earths are seen as a necessary response to an increasingly unequal international trade environment, aiming to protect its own interests [22][23] - The global shift towards green technology and smart revolution underscores the strategic significance of rare earth materials in future industrial competitiveness [22][23]