ZGXT(SZ:000831) Sou Hu Cai Jing·2025-08-23 12:55Core Viewpoint - The article highlights the significant transformation of China's rare earth industry from being a raw material supplier to a leader in technology and processing, emphasizing the strategic importance of rare earths in global manufacturing and the dependency of other countries on Chinese supplies [10][14]. Group 1: Historical Context - In the 1990s, China held 71.1% of global rare earth reserves and produced over 95% of the total output, primarily selling raw materials at low prices [3][5]. - Western countries criticized China for its resource management, while simultaneously profiting from cheap raw materials and selling high-value products back to China [3][5]. Group 2: Industry Development - Starting in 2000, China began restructuring its rare earth industry to limit chaotic mining and develop deep processing capabilities, aiming to shift from raw material extraction to advanced manufacturing [5][7]. - A pivotal moment occurred in 2010 when China suspended rare earth exports to Japan, highlighting the dependency of Japanese manufacturing on Chinese supplies [6][9]. Group 3: Current Industry Position - China now controls 88% of global rare earth processing capacity and has developed core technologies for various applications, including magnetic materials and electric vehicle batteries [7][13]. - Over 90% of rare earth permanent magnet materials are produced in China, making it indispensable for major automotive and technology companies worldwide [7][9]. Group 4: Global Reactions - Countries like the U.S. and India are increasingly seeking collaboration with China for rare earth supplies, indicating a shift in their manufacturing strategies due to reliance on Chinese resources [9][11]. - The U.S. government has established a rare earth supply chain task force to reduce dependency on China, but struggles to develop its own processing capabilities [11][13].