COVID-19: China’s rare earth exports plummet: US 80% depends on China
[Beijing KYODO]
General Administration of China Customs:
China’s rare earth exports have plummeted.
On August 15, it was found that rare earth exports have been visibly decreasing since the beginning of this year.
In July 2020, it fell to 69.1% compared to the same month the year before.
United States dependent on China:
The United States depends on Chinese products for high-tech fields including military.
If exports to the US are delayed, a new spark of US-China conflict will occur.
The US depends on China for 80% of its rare earths.
It is possible that China will move to export restrictions in the future.
China Customs General: Numbers in July
Rare earth exports decreased to 1620 tons in July (5243 tons in the same month last year).
The decrease has been remarkable since April.
The cause is the spread of corona infection.
KYODO communication