“整个汽车行业都看到了中国反制的威力，正极度恐慌”

Core Viewpoint - China's export control on rare earth elements aligns with international practices and is not targeted at specific countries, but it has led to significant concerns in the Western automotive industry about potential supply shortages and the implications of "weaponizing" rare earths [1][2]. Group 1: Impact on Automotive Industry - The automotive industry is experiencing panic due to China's rare earth export restrictions, with manufacturers fearing a supply crisis that could lead to factory shutdowns by mid-July [1][5]. - Major automotive manufacturers are exploring alternative sources for rare earth magnets, but progress is slow, and many are considering stockpiling or temporarily closing production lines [1][5][12]. - The European automotive supply sector is already facing factory closures, with warnings that more shutdowns are imminent due to the ongoing supply chain issues [5][12]. Group 2: China's Dominance in Rare Earths - China controls over 70% of global rare earth mining, 85% of refining capacity, and approximately 90% of rare earth metal alloys and magnet production, indicating a near-monopoly in the sector [6][4]. - The reliance on Chinese rare earths is critical for various automotive components, including electric vehicle engines, with an average electric vehicle consuming about 0.5 kg of rare earth elements [6]. Group 3: Challenges in Finding Alternatives - Efforts by Western automakers to reduce dependence on Chinese rare earths are ongoing, but many initiatives will take years to materialize, and few companies can scale production to lower costs effectively [8][10]. - Some companies are developing products that do not require rare earth elements, but these innovations are not expected to be implemented in mainstream vehicles for several years [10]. Group 4: Broader Supply Chain Concerns - The ongoing trade tensions and supply chain disruptions have prompted automotive companies to reassess their supply chain strategies, prioritizing backup supplies for critical components [5][12]. - Analysts suggest that the supply shortages may force manufacturers to produce vehicles without certain components or to temporarily halt production, highlighting the fragility of the current supply chain [12].