25年首度突破，美国宣布造出稀土磁铁，中国的稀土牌打不出去？

Core Viewpoint - The announcement by U.S. Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen regarding the production of rare earth magnets is seen as a significant political statement rather than a substantial shift in the global rare earth market, particularly in relation to China's dominance in this sector [1][4]. Group 1: U.S. Rare Earth Production - The rare earth magnet production facility inspected by Yellen is primarily funded by a German company and focuses on producing neodymium-iron-boron magnets, which are considered low-end permanent materials [1][2]. - The U.S. still relies heavily on China for most of the components needed for this production, indicating that achieving complete independence in the rare earth sector is a challenging task [1][2]. Group 2: Historical Context and Market Dynamics - Historically, the U.S. led in rare earth extraction technology until the discovery of rich deposits in China in 1969 and the development of cost-effective extraction methods in the 1980s, which shifted the global landscape [2]. - Currently, China accounts for over 80% of global rare earth processing capacity and more than 90% of magnet production, making it difficult for the U.S. to significantly alter this balance [2]. Group 3: Political Implications - The timing of Yellen's announcement coincided with political pressures on the Trump administration, which had recently paused investigations and tariffs against China, suggesting that the declaration was aimed at boosting domestic morale [4][5]. - The production of rare earth magnets in the U.S. is heavily dependent on orders from General Motors, which was facing layoffs and declining production, further complicating the outlook for the U.S. rare earth industry [4]. Group 4: Future Outlook - For the U.S. to effectively compete in the rare earth sector, it must address structural issues such as a shortage of technical talent and the hollowing out of its manufacturing base [5]. - The ongoing competition between the U.S. and China in the rare earth sector is expected to deepen, with China focusing on technological innovation and expanding its production capabilities across various magnet types [5].