ZGXT(SZ:000831) Sou Hu Cai Jing·2025-09-27 01:47Core Insights - Rare earth elements are crucial for modern technology, including smartphones, air conditioners, and electric vehicles, due to their unique electronic structures and stability under extreme conditions [2][4] - The U.S. is seeking alternatives to Chinese rare earth supplies, with recent claims about iron nitride as a potential substitute, although its performance is significantly inferior to rare earth materials [6][9] Industry Overview - The importance of rare earth elements in high-tech products like neodymium-iron-boron magnets and catalysts highlights their role as essential components in modern industry [4] - The U.S. heavily relies on China for rare earth imports, with over 80% of its supply coming from China and a staggering 97% for heavy rare earths, indicating a critical dependency [8] Technological Challenges - Iron nitride, while marketed as a breakthrough, is primarily used in low-performance applications and cannot meet the stringent requirements of high-tech industries [6][9] - Previous U.S. attempts to find substitutes for rare earth elements have failed due to high costs and inadequate performance, suggesting that the current push for iron nitride is more of a psychological reassurance than a viable solution [9]