美国生产出首块稀土磁铁，贝森特称再也不怕被中国卡脖子

Core Insights - The visit of U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessenet to the eVAC Magnetics factory in South Carolina marks the production of the first neodymium-iron-boron permanent magnet in the U.S. in 25 years, indicating a shift towards domestic supply chain independence [1][2] - The factory, a subsidiary of Germany's Vacuumschmelze, received significant funding from the Department of Defense and tax credits, which are expected to create hundreds of jobs and contribute to economic recovery [1][2] - The production line focuses on the final shaping of neodymium-iron-boron magnets, a step that had been absent in the U.S. for 25 years, highlighting the previous reliance on imports, particularly from China [2][4] Government Support and Economic Implications - The factory's establishment was expedited by state support, with the permitting process completed in just eight weeks, showcasing effective local governance [1][2] - Bessenet linked the factory's opening to broader economic recovery and job creation, suggesting that manufacturing will continue to grow in the coming years [1][2] - The factory's operations are seen as a step towards national security and economic independence, aligning with previous policies aimed at bringing manufacturing back to the U.S. [2][4] Industry Context and Challenges - Despite the positive developments, experts caution that the U.S. still lacks the capabilities for large-scale rare earth separation, which is essential for a complete domestic supply chain [4] - The U.S. is currently focusing on mid-range products for electric vehicles and industrial applications, while China continues to dominate the high-end military-grade magnet market [4] - The establishment of the eVAC factory is viewed by some as a result of subsidies rather than innovation, with concerns about the long-term sustainability of U.S. rare earth production capabilities [4] Future Outlook and Strategic Partnerships - The factory has partnered with Ucore Rare Metals to enhance North American supply chains and reduce reliance on Asian imports, indicating a strategic move towards self-sufficiency [8] - Ucore has received additional funding from the Department of Defense to commercialize rare earth separation technology, further supporting the domestic supply chain [8] - The broader geopolitical landscape is shifting, with predictions of a fragmented global economy where the U.S. and China may increasingly operate in separate spheres [8]