Overview
- Speaking to the European Parliament, Stéphane Séjourné said export licences are issued slowly and often seek trade secrets, calling the process a racket that delays deliveries.
- The upcoming package will push faster joint purchasing of critical raw materials, expand European production and recycling, and deepen partnerships with trusted suppliers.
- The European Commission will propose a European Centre for Critical Raw Materials, modeled on Japan’s JOGMEC, to assess needs, buy collectively, and manage stockpiles.
- China tightened rare-earth export rules in October before announcing a one-year suspension, while licence requirements introduced in April continue to disrupt supply chains.
- Séjourné said Europe has been both a collateral victim of U.S.–China trade tensions and a direct target, as analysts urge a broader EU critical-minerals market linked to the United States.