中国稀土为何这么强

Core Insights - The recent announcements by the Ministry of Commerce regarding export controls on rare earths mark a shift in China's approach from point control to a comprehensive chain management strategy, responding to the U.S. "50% rule" [1] - Rare earths are critical for high-tech manufacturing, with China dominating the global market, accounting for nearly 70% of production and possessing the entire supply chain [2][3] - China's technological edge in rare earth processing is supported by a significant number of patents and proprietary extraction techniques, with 82% of new global patents in this field attributed to Chinese companies [2][3] Industry Overview - Rare earths, comprising 17 metal elements, are essential in various advanced manufacturing sectors, including electric vehicles, wind energy, and electronics, influencing both current manufacturing capabilities and future technological competitiveness [2] - The U.S. relies heavily on imports from China, with 70% of its rare earth imports sourced from China, despite having its own mineral reserves [2][4] - The barriers to entry in the rare earth industry are primarily due to the complexities of refining and processing, areas where China holds a significant advantage [2][3] Technological Leadership - China's dominance in rare earth technology is attributed to decades of development, with a complete industrial chain established from mining to processing and application [3][5] - The late academician Xu Guangxian played a pivotal role in developing extraction theories that propelled China's rare earth industry forward [3] - The U.S. has fallen behind in rare earth processing technology after outsourcing these operations in the 1990s, leading to a loss of domestic capabilities [3][4] Future Outlook - The upcoming Rare Earth Management Regulations set to be implemented in October 2024 will encourage innovation and the development of new technologies in the rare earth sector, aiming for high-end, intelligent, and green development [5] - The emphasis on strengthening the domestic industrial base and supply chain resilience is crucial for maintaining competitiveness in the global market [6] - The focus on core technologies and the stability of supply chains is essential for addressing vulnerabilities and ensuring long-term economic security [6]