稀土的漩涡

Core Viewpoint - The recent agreement between China and the US to continue rare earth exports is a temporary resolution in an ongoing strategic competition, highlighting the critical role of rare earths in modern technology and global supply chains [1][13][15]. Group 1: Historical Context - Rare earth elements, including neodymium, praseodymium, europium, and terbium, are essential for modern electronics and have been a significant part of the global technology landscape since the late 20th century [5][7]. - In the late 1970s and 1980s, Japan and the US dominated the electronics market, while China, despite having the largest rare earth reserves, was primarily a raw material supplier [7][9]. - The imbalance in the rare earth supply chain began to surface in the 2000s, with China controlling 80%-90% of global exports but receiving minimal profits due to low pricing [9][11]. Group 2: Recent Developments - In 2010, a significant supply disruption occurred when China halted rare earth exports to Japan, leading to a dramatic increase in prices and highlighting the dependency of global industries on Chinese rare earths [11][13]. - The recent agreement in October 2025 to continue rare earth exports comes amid a backdrop of heightened strategic competition, particularly in the context of emerging technologies like AI, 5G, and electric vehicles [13][15]. - The current situation reflects a shift from China's role as a mere supplier to a key player with significant control over the entire rare earth supply chain, complicating efforts by the US and its allies to establish independent sources [15][16]. Group 3: Implications for Industries - The strategic value of rare earths has escalated due to their integral role in high-tech manufacturing, making them a focal point in the US-China tech rivalry [13][16]. - Traditional demand countries like the US and Japan are struggling to rebuild their supply chains, facing technological bottlenecks that hinder their ability to process rare earths independently [16]. - The ongoing competition and the recent agreement may provide temporary relief, but the fundamental dynamics of the global technology landscape and the strategic importance of rare earths remain unchanged [16][18].