ZGXT(SZ:000831) Sou Hu Cai Jing·2025-10-23 18:58Core Viewpoint - The international competition over rare earth elements has intensified, particularly following China's announcement of export controls, which significantly impacts the U.S. high-tech sector [1][4]. Group 1: Background of U.S.-China Technology Competition - The U.S. has initiated comprehensive technology restrictions against China, including high-end chip bans and efforts to isolate Huawei, indicating a clear intent to block China's technological advancements [3]. - Initially, China adopted a restrained approach, hoping to gain leverage in future negotiations, but the increasing aggressiveness of U.S. strategies led to a shift in China's stance [3][6]. Group 2: China's Export Control Announcement - On October 9, 2025, China's Ministry of Commerce announced stricter controls on rare earth exports, including new regulations on five elements and stringent approvals for semiconductor-related exports, with military-related exports being largely denied [4]. - China dominates the global rare earth market, producing 65% of the world's supply and holding 49% of reserves, with a market share of 85% in refining and separation technologies [4]. Group 3: U.S. Response and Reactions - Following China's announcement, the U.S. experienced panic, with trade representatives attempting to reach out to China but receiving no response for three days, leading to a drastic change in U.S. tone from arrogance to humility [5]. - U.S. Treasury Secretary offered to extend tariff exemptions in exchange for easing export controls, but China remained resolute in its strategy [5]. Group 4: Implications for U.S. Military and Industry - The U.S. military heavily relies on rare earth elements, with 87% of core military equipment dependent on these resources, making any disruption in supply a significant risk for U.S. defense production [6]. - The U.S. threats to exclude Chinese companies from global markets and the SWIFT payment system are seen as largely bluster, given the critical dependence on rare earths for military capabilities [5][6]. Group 5: Global Supply Chain and Market Reactions - Countries like Australia and Canada are calling for the development of local supply chains, but experts believe it will take 5 to 10 years to close the gap with China due to high technical barriers [8]. - The rare earth price surged by 30% following the announcement, causing declines in U.S. chip stocks and raising concerns among defense contractors [11]. Group 6: Strategic Developments and Future Outlook - China is expanding its currency swap agreements and has seen a doubling in cross-border settlements in RMB, indicating a move towards financial independence from the U.S. [11]. - The historical context of China's previous export restrictions in 2010, which led to a tenfold price increase, suggests that current policies are more structured and less susceptible to WTO intervention [12]. - The ongoing rare earth competition is expected to accelerate the internationalization of the RMB and contribute to a multipolar global economic landscape [13].