深度 | 稀土，何以成为反制“杀手锏”？【陈兴团队·财通宏观】

Group 1 - Rare earth elements are crucial for various industries, including defense, aerospace, energy, electronics, and transportation, with applications in modern weapon systems and electric vehicles [1][4][6] - China dominates the rare earth industry, controlling nearly 90% of the refining of magnetic rare earths and holding the largest reserves and production capacity globally [2][23][24] - The global rare earth market is characterized by a supply-demand imbalance, with China producing approximately 70% of the world's rare earths [21][23] Group 2 - China's rare earth management system has evolved, with recent implementations of export licensing to protect national interests and respond to international pressures [3][39][41] - The U.S. heavily relies on China for rare earth products, with nearly 60% of its imports coming from China, particularly in the context of military and high-tech applications [30][31] - Historical instances of China's export controls, such as during the Diaoyu Islands dispute, resulted in significant price increases and highlighted the potential impact of current export restrictions on the U.S. military-industrial complex [32][35] Group 3 - The recent export controls on rare earths are seen as a strategic response to U.S. sanctions and tariffs, with potential for reciprocal easing if the U.S. adjusts its trade policies [3][42] - The automotive industry in the U.S. and Europe has already faced production halts due to rare earth shortages, emphasizing the critical nature of these materials in electric vehicle manufacturing [10][11] - Other sectors, such as wind energy and robotics, also show a high dependency on rare earths, with projections indicating a tripling of demand for wind energy by 2030 [13][11]