中方公布稀土出口数据，对日暴涨34%，美国：难怪高市不敢动手

Core Viewpoint - China's rare earth magnet exports to Japan surged by 34.7% in November, reaching 304 tons, contrary to expectations of economic sanctions due to provocative remarks from Japanese politician, Sanae Takaichi [1][2] Group 1: Export Dynamics - The increase in exports is attributed to the release of compliant trade orders and the rigid demand in the global supply chain, following China's tightening of export controls in October [2][4] - The majority of the exported rare earth magnets are directed towards Japanese automotive manufacturers like Toyota and Honda, highlighting the urgency of Japan's inventory needs during its energy transition [4][9] Group 2: Strategic Intent - The contrasting export trends—rising exports to Japan and declining exports to the U.S. by 11.4%—indicate a strategic approach rather than emotional reactions, showcasing China's ability to control supply flows and pricing power in the rare earth market [5][7] - China's dominance in rare earth processing, controlling over 90% of global refining and separation capacity, ensures that even if Japan sources raw materials from other countries, they remain dependent on China for high-performance processing [7][9] Group 3: Political and Economic Strategy - China's strategy involves maintaining trade with compliant Japanese firms while applying pressure on radical political figures, thereby preventing a complete breakdown in Sino-Japanese relations [10][12] - The decline in exports to the U.S. serves as a silent demonstration of China's effective export control measures, signaling a selective approach to trade based on end-use applications, particularly in sensitive military sectors [14][15] Group 4: Long-term Implications - The current dynamics suggest that China is not only maintaining its position in the global supply chain but is also reshaping the rules of rare earth trade, ensuring that every ton exported to Japan reinforces China's industrial advantages [14][15] - The situation reflects a broader strategy where China retains control over critical resources, thereby enhancing its geopolitical leverage while avoiding overt confrontations [15]