China Rare Earths: "Some European auto parts plants have suspended output..."

Following on June 3's "Germany lobby group says China's rare earth curbs could halt auto output", I guess they were serious.

From Reuters, June 4:

China's rare earth export curbs hit Europe's auto industry

• EU trade chief says he hopes to clarify situation with Chinese counterpart
• BMW says supplier network affected, but plants running normally
• Supplier association CLEPA warns of further production outages due to shortages
• Mercedes is looking for 'buffers' to protect supplies
• China produces around 90% of the world's rare earths

Some European auto parts plants have suspended output and Mercedes-Benz is considering ways to protect against shortages of rare earths, as concerns about the damage from China's restrictions on critical mineral exports deepen.

 

China's decision in April to suspend exports of a wide range of rare earths and related magnets has upended the supply chains central to automakers, aerospace manufacturers, semiconductor companies and military contractors around the world.

 

The move underscores China's dominance of the critical mineral industry, key to the green energy transition, and is seen as leverage by China in its trade war with U.S. President Donald Trump. China produces around 90% of the world's rare earths.

 

EU trade commissioner Maros Sefcovic said on Wednesday that he and his Chinese counterpart had agreed to clarify the rare earth situation as quickly as possible.

 

"We must reduce our dependencies on all countries, particularly on a number of countries like China, on which we are more than 100% dependent," said EU Commissioner for Industrial Strategy Stephane Sejourne....

....MUCH MORE

 

I shall make inquiries as to "more than 100% dependent"