被坑惨了！日本花7亿美元，高价买印度稀土，到手发现全是中国货

Core Viewpoint - The article discusses the failed collaboration between Japan and India in the rare earth sector, highlighting India's sudden cessation of rare earth exports to Japan, which reveals the underlying complexities and risks in the global supply chain for these critical materials [1][20]. Group 1: Historical Context - In 2010, Japan faced a crisis when China restricted rare earth exports, leading to skyrocketing prices and a scramble for alternative sources [3][4]. - India emerged as a potential partner due to its claimed status as having the fifth-largest rare earth reserves globally, which seemed to offer a viable alternative to Japan [3][5]. Group 2: Investment and Cooperation - In 2012, Japan signed a strategic cooperation agreement with India's state-owned rare earth giant, IREL, and invested in a processing plant in Andhra Pradesh to create a diversified supply chain [5][10]. - Despite these efforts, the actual production and export figures from India raised concerns, with reports indicating that India exported more rare earths than it produced, suggesting a reliance on Chinese imports [5][10]. Group 3: Supply Chain Issues - A significant portion of India's rare earth exports reportedly originated from China, with materials being repackaged in India before being sent to Japan, leading to accusations of "labeling" Chinese goods as Indian [7][8]. - In 2024, Toyota Tsusho imported over 1,000 tons of rare earths from India, paying a premium compared to direct purchases from China, highlighting the inefficiencies in the supply chain [10][12]. Group 4: Recent Developments - In June 2025, India abruptly halted rare earth exports to Japan, citing the need to prioritize its domestic electric vehicle industry, which left Japanese companies facing potential contract breaches worth nearly $300 million [10][12]. - The Indian government's decision was influenced by earlier Chinese export restrictions, revealing India's vulnerability in the rare earth supply chain [12][14]. Group 5: Future Implications - India's inability to independently supply high-purity rare earths, with over 90% of its high-purity needs still sourced from China, raises questions about its long-term viability as a supplier [14][16]. - The article suggests that India's actions may be a strategic move to leverage technology concessions from Japan, as it seeks to enhance its own capabilities in rare earth processing [18][20].