美国打破中国稀土垄断？结束中国卡脖子？贝森特开了个国际玩笑

Core Viewpoint - The U.S. is making strides to break China's dominance in the rare earth market, as highlighted by U.S. Treasury Secretary Becerra's visit to a new rare earth processing plant in South Carolina, which is part of efforts to secure critical mineral supply chains for clean energy and national defense [3][5]. Group 1: U.S. Rare Earth Initiatives - The eVAC Magnetics company, which is establishing a rare earth processing facility, received $112 million in support from the Biden administration, indicating a significant governmental push towards reducing reliance on Chinese rare earth supplies [7]. - Becerra claimed that the facility represents the first rare earth magnet produced in the U.S. in 25 years, marking a pivotal step towards supply chain independence [5][9]. - Despite the optimistic outlook, analysts express skepticism regarding the feasibility of the U.S. breaking China's rare earth monopoly, given the complexities involved in rare earth processing and the significant investment required [9][11]. Group 2: Challenges in Competing with China - The eVAC company, while American, is actually a joint venture with a German parent company, raising questions about the extent of U.S. manufacturing capabilities [7]. - Establishing a fully operational rare earth supply chain in the U.S. is projected to require at least $10 billion in investment and could take 10 to 20 years to develop a competitive edge against China [11][13]. - China's established and comprehensive rare earth industry, along with its cost advantages, poses a significant challenge for U.S. companies attempting to enter the market [11][13]. Group 3: Political and Media Dynamics - Becerra's statements are viewed as politically motivated, aimed at attracting investment to the eVAC company and promoting the narrative of U.S. independence from Chinese supply chains [13][15]. - Media coverage has largely focused on the positive aspects of U.S. efforts to secure rare earth supplies, often overlooking the substantial challenges and current limitations faced by the U.S. rare earth industry [15].