Core Insights - The article discusses the strategic manipulation of rare earth exports by China, particularly in relation to the U.S. military and automotive industries, highlighting a significant increase in exports of rare earth magnets to the U.S. while restricting military-grade materials [1][4][8] Group 1: Export Dynamics - In June, China's exports of rare earth magnets to the U.S. surged to 353 tons, a 660% increase from May's 46 tons, indicating a tactical maneuver rather than a genuine trade recovery [1][3] - The U.S. military's reliance on rare earth materials is underscored, with the F-35 fighter jet requiring 417 kg of rare earths and Virginia-class submarines needing up to 4 tons [3][4] Group 2: Strategic Agreements - A temporary agreement was reached in May, allowing Chinese exports of civilian-grade magnets to U.S. automakers like General Motors and Ford, in exchange for the U.S. permitting exports of Nvidia's H20 chips to China [4][6] - Despite this agreement, military-grade rare earths remain tightly controlled, forcing the Pentagon to resort to recycling materials from old phones [4][7] Group 3: Market Manipulation - China has shifted to a "strategic ambiguity" regarding rare earth mining quotas, delaying the announcement of the first batch for 2025 and not disclosing specific figures, which disrupts international market clarity [6][8] - The price of dysprosium oxide in Europe has surged to $700-$1000 per kg, three times higher than domestic prices, due to the lack of transparency in China's export quotas [6][8] Group 4: U.S. Industry Challenges - U.S. company MP Materials received $400 million from the Defense Department but has only restored 45% of its production capacity, with a 40% waste rate in magnet production [7][8] - The influx of 353 tons of magnets from China led U.S. automakers to cancel domestic orders, resulting in a significant drop in MP Materials' stock price [7][8] Group 5: Ongoing Tensions - The article emphasizes that the competition between the U.S. and China over rare earths is far from over, with China monitoring the destination of exported magnets to prevent them from reaching military applications [8][9] - The U.S. is facing a strategic dilemma, as investments of $40 billion have not resolved the underlying issues of dependency on Chinese rare earths and chips [9][11]
中国稀土对美出口暴涨660%,已经达成稀土和解?中方随即打破惯例