Sou Hu Cai Jing·2025-11-08 08:35Core Viewpoint - The new export regulations on rare earths from China to the Netherlands signify a shift in power dynamics within the global technology supply chain, highlighting China's critical role in the production of high-tech equipment like photolithography machines [1][9]. Group 1: New Export Regulations - Starting December 1, new regulations require any photolithography machine containing ≥0.1% Chinese rare earth elements to obtain export licenses from China, detailing usage and recipients [3]. - Production equipment for logic chips below 14nm and storage chips of 14nm or 256 layers and above will require individual approval for export to the Netherlands, effectively subjecting each transaction to scrutiny [5]. Group 2: Importance of Rare Earths - Rare earths, comprising 17 metallic elements, are essential for various high-tech applications, including smartphones and wind power, with photolithography machines being particularly dependent on them [6]. - China accounts for 69.2% of global rare earth production and over 90% of processing capacity, making it a critical supplier for companies like ASML, which relies on high-purity rare earth materials for its photolithography machines [8]. Group 3: Netherlands' Dependency - By mid-2025, the Netherlands is projected to import 26.4% of global rare earth exports, with inventory sufficient for only eight weeks of production, indicating a significant vulnerability [11]. - Delays in export licensing could lead to a reduction of 15 to 20 units in monthly production capacity of photolithography machines, resulting in potential losses exceeding €3.2 billion annually [11]. Group 4: U.S. Rare Earths and Technology - Although the U.S. has rare earth reserves, its purification technology lags significantly behind China's, with U.S. capabilities reaching only 99.9% purity compared to China's 99.999% [13]. - The cost of rare earth purification in the U.S. is three times higher than in China, which would drastically increase the costs for ASML if it were to rely on U.S. supplies [13]. Group 5: Strategic Implications - The core of this geopolitical struggle is not merely about resource control but rather about the competition for technological and supply chain dominance [15]. - China has developed a complete rare earth industry chain, from mining to processing, which has been crucial in breaking the West's technological monopoly [16]. Group 6: Future Outlook - By 2025, China's production of rare earth permanent magnets is expected to account for 91.6% of global output, with advancements in alternative materials making it difficult for others to catch up in the short term [18]. - The new regulations serve as a strategic measure to ensure that any use of Chinese rare earths is subject to approval, thereby leveraging China's technological advantages [18]. - The ongoing dynamics suggest a need for collaboration rather than unilateral actions, emphasizing the importance of a fair and transparent global supply chain [22].