2024年10月8日，美国内政部长道格·伯格姆的言论让美国的稀土依赖问题再次成为焦点。他公开表示，中国在稀土资源上的主导地位对美国构成威胁，强调 美国的国防、汽车和高科技产业都严重依赖中国稀土，并指出中国控制着全球85%到100%的稀土提炼份额。虽然这一番言论引发了广泛讨论，但仔细分析 背后的原因，可以发现美国陷入稀土依赖的困境，根本不是"中国遏制"，而是美国自己当初的决策所致，完全是自作自受。 稀土并不像它名字中的"稀"字所暗示的那样珍贵，实际上全球储量并不稀少，美国国内也有丰富的稀土矿藏。然而，几十年前，美国却主动放弃了大规模的 稀土开采和提炼。这一决定的原因主要是环保和成本问题。当时，美国认为稀土的开采和加工会带来污染，无法满足其严格的环保标准。因此，美国将稀土 的开采和加工转移到其他国家，这样不仅可以减轻国内的环保压力，还能通过进口廉价稀土产品来降低成本，既省事又划算。 这些年，美国曾尝试通过从其他国家寻找稀土资源，或者加大国内开采力度，但都未见显著效果。其他国家要么技术落后，提炼成本高，要么产能有限，根 本无法满足美国的需求。虽然美国本土的一些稀土矿场尝试复产，但要么因环保问题无法投产，要么因为缺乏 ...

Core Viewpoint - The prices of rare earth elements, particularly terbium, have reached record highs, with significant implications for industries reliant on these materials, such as electric vehicles and wind power generation [2][4]. Group 1: Price Trends and Export Controls - Terbium reached a new high price in July, indicating ongoing supply constraints despite discussions of easing export controls by China [2][4]. - As of July 31, the price of dysprosium was $805 per kilogram, approximately three times higher than pre-control levels, while terbium peaked at $3,150 per kilogram, the highest since May 2015 [4]. - China's customs data for June showed nearly zero exports of dysprosium-related products, with terbium-related exports down by 90% compared to March, leading to production halts in some automotive sectors in Europe and Japan [6]. Group 2: Demand and Future Projections - The demand for rare earth elements is expected to grow, with the International Energy Agency (IEA) projecting that by 2050, the demand for rare earth elements used in magnets will be 2.2 times that of 2024 under net-zero emissions scenarios [6]. - Efforts are underway in the U.S. and Japan to reduce dependence on Chinese rare earth supplies, with MP Materials partnering with the U.S. Department of Defense, which is expected to acquire a 15% stake in the company [6]. Group 3: Supply Diversification Efforts - Japan's Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry has highlighted the need for diversification in supply sources, not just for rare earths but for other minerals as well [7]. - Japan is exploring projects to develop heavy rare earths outside of China, but challenges remain due to high costs associated with securing alternative production sites [7]. - Despite efforts to establish production outside of China, experts believe that China's dominance in high-value rare earth mining will not be easily disrupted [7].

Group 1 - China has agreed to suspend or cancel all non-tariff countermeasures implemented since April 2, while also reducing tariffs for a period of 90 days [1] - The agreement suggests that China will lift restrictions on the export of seven "medium and heavy" rare earth metals imposed on April 4, while maintaining restrictions on other critical minerals [1] - Since the implementation of China's restrictions on April 4, prices of certain "medium and heavy" rare earth elements have surged over 200% in overseas markets [1] Group 2 - The U.S. has been exploring various options to reduce its dependence on China, including accelerating domestic rare earth production and seeking partnerships with foreign entities [2] - MP Materials, a U.S. rare earth company, has signed a preliminary agreement with Saudi mining firm Ma'aden to explore the development of the rare earth industry in Saudi Arabia [2] - Despite efforts to find alternatives, U.S. companies acknowledge that China's advanced rare earth refining technology and supply chain remain a significant advantage, making rare earth minerals a "trump card" for China in the foreseeable future [2]