Core Viewpoint - The article discusses China's strategic control over critical mineral supply chains, particularly in the context of the ongoing trade tensions with the United States, highlighting the implications of China's export restrictions on rare earth elements and other key minerals [1][3][4]. Group 1: China's Control Over Critical Minerals - China dominates approximately 60% of global rare earth production, which is essential for electric vehicle (EV) motors, and its export restrictions have led to production halts in major automotive companies like Ford and Suzuki [3][4]. - In the refining stage of 20 key minerals surveyed by the International Energy Agency (IEA), China holds an average market share of about 70%, indicating its significant influence in the global supply chain [4][5]. - For cobalt, a critical material for EV batteries, while 70% of the raw material is sourced from the Democratic Republic of Congo, China controls around 80% of the refining market [5]. Group 2: Global Demand and Technological Dominance - The demand for critical minerals is increasing due to the transition to renewable energy, with China also leading in the production of solar panels (approximately 80%), wind turbines (around 60%), and EV batteries (over 70%) [6]. - As the world accelerates its energy transition, reliance on China for these critical minerals is expected to grow, emphasizing the strategic importance of China's resource control [6]. Group 3: Historical Context and Strategic Initiatives - China's focus on rare earth elements dates back to the 1980s, where it gained a competitive edge due to more lenient environmental regulations compared to Japan, the US, and Europe [7]. - The Belt and Road Initiative has further strengthened China's resource security by investing in mineral projects in countries like the Democratic Republic of Congo and Indonesia [7]. Group 4: Geopolitical Implications and Supply Chain Strategies - The article highlights the geopolitical risks associated with China's dominance in supply chains, particularly as the US seeks to revitalize its manufacturing sector [8][9]. - Companies are encouraged to diversify their supply chains and develop alternative technologies to mitigate risks associated with reliance on critical minerals [9].

Core Viewpoint - Japanese companies are significantly increasing their solar power generation capacity in the United States, with Mitsubishi Corporation planning to invest $3.9 billion to boost its capacity to 2.9 million kilowatts by 2028 [1][3]. Group 1: Investment Plans - Mitsubishi Corporation will invest a total of $3.9 billion, increasing its solar power generation capacity in the U.S. to 2.6 times the current level by 2028 [1][3]. - Itochu Corporation's subsidiary, Tyr Energy, is developing 29 projects with a total capacity of approximately 5 million kilowatts, aiming to reach about 10 million kilowatts by 2030 [4]. - SoftBank Group operates solar power stations with a total capacity of 2.55 million kilowatts across eight regions in the U.S., with plans to exceed 15 million kilowatts in the medium to long term [5]. Group 2: Market Dynamics - The U.S. solar power generation capacity is projected to reach 182 million kilowatts by 2026, a 49% increase over two years, surpassing wind power growth [3]. - The Trump administration continues to support solar power through tax incentives, which is expected to enhance installed capacity [1][5]. - The Biden administration has introduced additional tax incentives for companies using domestically produced equipment, further promoting solar energy development [5]. Group 3: Supply Chain and Local Procurement - Nexamp, partly funded by Mitsubishi, currently operates solar power stations with a total capacity of about 1.1 million kilowatts, planning to reach 2.9 million kilowatts by 2028 [3]. - Nexamp plans to switch to solar panels produced in the U.S. to mitigate the impact of tariffs, making local procurement easier compared to wind power [4]. - The shift to local procurement is seen as advantageous in the solar sector, allowing for better control over supply chains and tariff impacts [4].

Core Viewpoint - The financial reports of seven major Chinese photovoltaic (PV) battery companies for the fiscal year 2024 show a combined loss of 27 billion yuan, marking the first loss since 2017 due to overproduction and deteriorating market conditions [1][2][3]. Group 1: Financial Performance - The seven listed Chinese PV battery companies reported a total loss of 27 billion yuan for the fiscal year 2024, a stark contrast to a total profit of 41.8 billion yuan in the previous fiscal year [2]. - Five of these companies, including Longi Green Energy, experienced significant losses, while the largest, JinkoSolar, saw a 98% reduction in profits [2][3]. Group 2: Market Dynamics - The rapid decline in performance is attributed to overproduction by Chinese companies, leading to a market downturn [3]. - The price of PV battery panels has dropped nearly 70% since early 2022, with prices reaching 9 cents per watt by the end of 2024 [3]. Group 3: Global Market Position - Chinese companies dominate the global PV battery market, holding over 80% of the production capacity and accounting for nine out of the top ten global PV panel manufacturers [2][3]. - Despite being a major demand country for new PV installations, China faces challenges in absorbing its domestic supply, resulting in excess products being exported [3]. Group 4: International Trade Issues - The influx of low-priced PV products from China has weakened local manufacturers in Europe, leading to increased international friction [2][4]. - The European Solar Manufacturing Council has urged the EU to implement trade protection measures to safeguard local businesses [5].

Group 1 - Chinese photovoltaic manufacturers are increasingly entering Vietnam, with JinkoSolar establishing a factory there in June 2024 [2] - Vietnam's Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh issued directives on April 22 to address concerns over origin fraud, smuggling, and trade deception, emphasizing the need for preparation in negotiations with the U.S. [4] - The Vietnamese Ministry of Industry and Trade has requested stricter measures for issuing certificates of origin to prevent fraud, particularly in light of a surge in applications [4] Group 2 - The Trump administration views circumvention exports as a significant issue, suspecting Chinese companies of setting up bases in third countries to mislabel products before exporting to the U.S. [6] - Vietnam's exports to the U.S. have increased, with a trade surplus exceeding $100 billion in 2024, raising suspicions of circumvention practices [6] - The U.S. Department of Commerce announced on April 21 that it would impose punitive tariffs of up to 3521% on imported solar panels from Vietnam, Cambodia, Thailand, and Malaysia [6] Group 3 - If Vietnam and South Korea cooperate with the U.S. on these issues, it may provoke backlash from China, which has condemned the U.S. for negotiating tariffs that limit trade with China [7] - Recent reports indicate that the Chinese government has warned South Korean companies against exporting products containing Chinese rare earths to U.S. defense-related firms, threatening potential sanctions [8]