美国断药危机？中方掌握80%原料供应，医药王牌比稀土更狠

Core Viewpoint - The article highlights the significant leverage China holds over the U.S. in various critical industries, particularly in rare earth elements, pharmaceuticals, battery materials, and solar energy, raising concerns about U.S. dependency and national security [1][10][44]. Group 1: Rare Earth Elements - China controls 92% of the world's refined rare earth elements, while the U.S. relies on China for 70% of its rare earth compounds and metals from 2020 to 2023 [6][10]. - The U.S. Department of Defense has invested $439 million since 2020 to establish rare earth processing facilities, but production is not expected to begin until 2027, with capacity far below that of China [7][10]. Group 2: Pharmaceuticals - The U.S. pharmaceutical supply chain is heavily reliant on China, with 80% of the raw materials for common drugs like amoxicillin sourced from China [12][13]. - Over 90% of imported hydrocodone and ibuprofen in the U.S. comes from China, indicating a critical dependency on Chinese raw materials for essential medications [15]. Group 3: Battery Materials - China produces over 70% of the world's lithium batteries and controls more than 80% of the global market for battery components [17]. - Chinese companies control 8 out of 14 major cobalt mines in the Democratic Republic of Congo, accounting for over half of the country's cobalt production, with the U.S. relying on China for 70% of its cobalt compound imports [19]. Group 4: Solar Energy - China dominates the solar energy supply chain, with an 80% share in global production across all segments [21]. - In 2023, China accounted for over 80% of the global market for solar products, making it essential for any country aiming to develop clean energy [23]. Group 5: U.S. Response and Challenges - The U.S. has attempted to address its dependency by investigating the pharmaceutical supply chain and considering tariffs, but achieving supply chain localization could take 5 to 10 years [26][28]. - Challenges include potential supply shortages, increased production costs, and significant technological gaps that hinder the U.S. from catching up with China's capabilities [30][34].