Brussels, 13 July 2025 – The EU has formally demanded that Beijing prioritise the shipment of 100,000 metric tons of rare earths to Europe within 30 days, warning that without the material the bloc’s automotive, defence and renewable-energy sectors face “paralysis”.
Stockpiles at “red light” levels: European car makers—including Stellantis—have already halted production lines because they cannot source neodymium-iron-boron magnets in time.
China’s April export curbs: Beijing tightened licensing for seven rare-earth elements and magnets, a move the EU Parliament calls “coercive” and “unjustified” given China’s near-monopoly.
Defence and green-tech at risk: Rare earths are vital for EV motors, wind turbines, missiles and medical imaging. The EU estimates 98 % of its permanent magnets are imported from China.
EU leaders plan to press China for “better access” at the upcoming EU–China summit July 24 in Beijing.
Parallel retaliation talk: The Renew Europe group urges the Commission to “leverage strategic exports” and “counter Chinese blackmail” instead of appeasement.
Beijing’s foreign ministry reiterated that export restrictions are “not targeted at friendly countries”, hinting that EU states with hostile policies will wait longer for approvals.
If China refuses the emergency shipment, European industry associations warn that “weeks, not months” remain before widespread factory closures cascade across the supply chain.
