突发！美韩将成立稀土合资企业，目标2027年运营，或重构新格局

Core Viewpoint - The ongoing global competition over rare earth elements is intensifying, particularly in the context of the U.S.-China rare earth conflict, with the U.S. implementing strategic measures following the G7 finance ministers' meeting in January 2026 [1][2]. Group 1: Economic Impact - The G7's decisions have minimal direct economic impact on China, as the related trade volume is relatively low. However, from the perspective of supply chain security, this poses significant challenges for the U.S. and Europe, potentially undermining their high-tech industries reliant on rare earths [2]. - Rare earths are critical resources for sectors such as renewable energy, semiconductors, and military applications, and a disruption in their supply could lead to severe consequences for the industrial base in the U.S. and Europe [2]. Group 2: Collaborative Efforts - A notable example of collaboration is the partnership between South Korea and the U.S., where Korea Zinc announced a joint venture with an American company to secure rare earth material supplies. This venture aims to establish a processing facility with a capacity of 100 tons per year by 2027 [5]. - The joint venture will utilize existing domestic raw materials in the U.S. to produce the necessary rare earth oxides for American manufacturers, showcasing a strategic move to bolster local supply chains [5]. Group 3: Domestic Initiatives - The U.S. government is investing $750 million to assist two domestic rare earth companies in expanding their magnet production capacity, aiming to reduce reliance on China [8]. - Plans are underway to lift the mining ban in Minnesota to activate local copper, nickel, and cobalt resources, addressing supply shortages in the rare earth sector [8]. Group 4: Competitive Dynamics - The U.S. Department of Defense plans to subsidize the price difference for two commonly used rare earth elements, neodymium and praseodymium, at $110 per kilogram, which may inadvertently increase costs for U.S. industries reliant on these materials [10]. - The strategy of creating a "small circle" to exclude China may lead to increased resource prices, negatively impacting the competitiveness of U.S. companies in the renewable energy and semiconductor sectors [10]. Group 5: Strategic Recommendations - To navigate this competitive landscape, it is essential for China to strengthen its rare earth processing technology and develop recycling industries while optimizing its strategic material reserve system [12]. - Expanding multilateral cooperation and addressing slow updates in reserve lists and insufficient commercial reserve vitality are critical for maintaining resilience in the supply chain [12].