Overview
- At least one member of the European Chamber of Commerce in China has lost millions of euros due to restricted access to rare earths, the group said.
- After a brief pickup in June and July, companies report renewed difficulty obtaining export licenses, which still do not guarantee steady deliveries.
- China controlled about 69% of global rare earth mine production in 2024 and the EU sourced nearly half of its imports from China, underscoring exposure to Beijing’s controls.
- Volkswagen reports its supply of parts containing rare earths remains stable for now as suppliers work through licensing requirements.
- The European chamber plans to brief EU policymakers in Brussels next week on business impacts and access concerns.