突发！印度工厂停摆？苹果″去中国化″栽在一粒稀土上

Core Viewpoint - Apple is facing significant challenges in relocating its AirPods production to India due to a critical shortage of the rare earth element dysprosium, which is essential for manufacturing the magnetic components of the earbuds [1][4][6]. Group 1: Dysprosium's Importance - Dysprosium is a key component in the magnets used in AirPods, and its scarcity poses a risk to production [4][6]. - China produces over 90% of the world's dysprosium, making it a crucial player in the supply chain [5][8]. - The global demand for dysprosium exceeds its annual production, leading to a reliance on existing stockpiles [8][12]. Group 2: Apple's Shift to India - Apple's move to India is driven by a desire for supply chain diversification amid geopolitical pressures [6][10]. - The initial setup of the production line in India faced immediate challenges due to the lack of local dysprosium suppliers [6][7]. - The Indian workforce is less efficient compared to their Chinese counterparts, impacting production rates [9][10]. Group 3: Supply Chain Realities - The logistics of sourcing materials from China to India adds significant costs and delays, undermining the benefits of relocating production [9][10]. - Apple's previous attempts to shift production to India for iPhones revealed similar supply chain limitations, leading to a return to China [10][12]. - The perception of India as a viable alternative to China for manufacturing is questioned due to its current capabilities [9][12]. Group 4: Geopolitical Context - China's export controls on rare earth elements are framed as a response to historical trade practices by Western countries [12][13]. - The narrative of "decoupling" from China is challenged by the reality of supply chain dependencies that Apple and other companies face [10][14]. - The situation highlights the complexities of global supply chains and the challenges of resource management in a competitive landscape [12][14].