澳洲经济学家：美澳稀土交易只是开始，很快动摇中国稀土主导地位

Core Points - The United States and Australia have signed a crucial mineral agreement to support rare earth mining and processing, addressing the critical issue of independent supply chains for developed countries [1][4] - This agreement is expected to sever Australia's ties with China regarding rare earths and promote cooperation in refining technologies between Australia and the U.S., aiming to establish a Western rare earth system within 1-2 years [1][8] - China's low-priced exports have previously suppressed Western industries, but recent export control policies are pushing China to provide guaranteed prices and accelerate investments in rare earth enterprises [1][4] Summary by Sections Agreement Details - The U.S. and Australia have committed a total of $3 billion in government funding to set price floors for rare earth mining and processing projects [4] - Financial institutions from the U.S. and the U.K. are providing $10 billion and £5 billion in credit to support the rare earth enterprises involved in this agreement [6] - The U.S. Export-Import Bank has sent seven letters of intent to Australian rare earth companies, totaling over $2.2 billion [6] Economic Impact - The agreement is projected to unlock $53 billion in value from critical mineral deposits, sufficient to meet the demand for rare earth elements in developed countries for decades [6] - The deal is expected to significantly increase the value of Australian minerals due to U.S. demand, as Australia is a mining nation with abundant resources [14][16] Supply Chain Independence - The cooperation between the U.S. and Australia is seen as a key step in establishing an independent rare earth supply chain free from Chinese influence [8][12] - The agreement will facilitate the development of midstream and downstream segments of the rare earth supply chain, including refining technologies [9][11] Historical Context - The article highlights the historical context of the rare earth industry, noting that the U.S. once monopolized the global supply chain before China emerged as a dominant player [3][18] - The lack of progress in establishing an independent supply chain over the past decade is attributed to the absence of pressure on developed countries, as China's low export prices made domestic production unprofitable [18][19]