世界共存互联一体，关税战的命门：为什么老美为稀土怒吼？

Core Viewpoint - The article emphasizes China's strategic dominance in the rare earth industry, highlighting its significant resource advantages and the implications for global supply chains, particularly in the context of U.S.-China trade tensions [1][3]. Group 1: China's Rare Earth Industry Chain - China's rare earth reserves account for 33.8% of the global total, amounting to 44 million tons, with heavy rare earths making up 25.89% of global reserves [3]. - China holds 90% of the global patents for rare earth centrifugal extraction machines, allowing for the separation of 17 rare earth elements to a purity of 99.9999% [3]. - The industry is characterized by a "North Light, South Heavy" structure, with northern regions focusing on light rare earths and southern regions on heavy rare earths [11]. Group 2: Environmental and Technical Barriers - The U.S. rare earth industry faces high environmental costs and lacks the necessary separation technology, making it reliant on China for refining [5]. - China's complete industry chain from mining to deep processing creates a cost advantage that is difficult for other countries to replicate [5][6]. Group 3: Shift from Resource Exporter to Rule Maker - China is transitioning from being a low-cost resource exporter to a global rule-maker in rare earth governance, with the implementation of the 2024 Rare Earth Management Regulations [6]. - The new regulations will include total quantity control, export quotas, and product traceability, elevating rare earth management to a national security level [6]. Group 4: U.S. Dependence on Chinese Rare Earths - The U.S. military's reliance on Chinese rare earths is significant, with the F-35 fighter jet requiring 417 kg of rare earths per unit, 83.7% of which come from China [7]. - The semiconductor industry also heavily depends on rare earths, with the U.S. defense stockpile only sufficient for six months [8]. Group 5: Price Surge and Supply Chain Disruption - Following China's export controls on seven categories of heavy rare earths, prices surged dramatically, with dysprosium oxide rising from $850/kg to $3000/kg, a 210% increase [9]. - Major companies like Shenghe Resources and Northern Rare Earth experienced a 200% increase in order volume, while U.S. defense contractors faced procurement challenges [9]. Group 6: Industry Structure and Strategic Control - China's rare earth industry is organized into a "North Light, South Heavy" structure, optimizing resource advantages and enhancing competitiveness [11]. - The government is implementing strict controls to combat illegal mining and smuggling, with a 300% increase in the value of smuggling cases reported [12]. Group 7: Export Controls and Quota System - China's export controls are targeted rather than blanket bans, focusing on seven categories of heavy rare earths while allowing other elements to be exported normally [13]. - The export quota system aims to direct resources towards high-value sectors, with a projected 3.7% increase in rare earth mining quotas for 2025 [13]. Group 8: Investment Logic and Strategies - The article suggests that while export controls may ease slightly, the strategic management of resources will remain unchanged, with domestic prices expected to rise due to international shortages [14]. - Companies with export quotas and those involved in magnetic materials production are highlighted as potential investment opportunities [15].