Rare Earths Crunch: The Auto Industry's Looming Supply Crisis

Global car manufacturers are in a race against time to secure rare earths against a backdrop of imminent export constraints from China. Executives are increasingly anxious about the potential ramifications, such as a bottleneck in parts supply and the possible shutdown of manufacturing plants, which could ripple throughout the industry.

Rare earth magnets, essential in automotive components ranging from motors to sensors, are becoming an even more pressing need with the push toward electric vehicles. Despite a temporary U.S.-China deal easing some tensions, earlier restrictions severely depleted reserves, and China's new, tougher stance on export licenses exacerbates global supply issues.

While Europe and the U.S. seek alternatives, countries like Sweden lack the infrastructure for effective mining and processing, making them reliant on a Chinese supply controlled by up to 99.8% of refining capacity. Companies like NMD are facing stock constraints, while efforts are underway to recycle rare earths, but scalability remains a pressing barrier.