Overview

• Germany imported 3,400 tonnes of rare earth elements from China in 2024, accounting for 65.5% of total imports, down slightly from 69.1% in 2023.
• Key elements like neodymium, praseodymium, and samarium, essential for electric motor magnets, continue to be almost entirely sourced from China.
• Germany's dependence on China for rare earths is significantly higher than the EU average of 46%, highlighting its vulnerability in the global supply chain.
• Russia and Malaysia were the next largest suppliers to Germany in 2024, contributing 28.4% and 19.9% of imports, respectively.
• China's dominance in rare earths remains a geopolitical tool, particularly as it leverages its position in ongoing trade conflicts with the United States.