The European Commission has voiced its “concern” regarding China’s recent decision to implement extensive restrictions on the export of rare earths and related technologies.
According to Olov Gill, the Commission’s trade spokesperson, “We are assessing the details of this announcement.” He highlighted that both the President of the Commission and the President of the European Council had previously addressed this topic with Chinese President Xi Jinping during the EU-China Summit held in Beijing last July. Gill further stated, “The Commission anticipates that China will act as a reliable partner, ensuring stable and predictable access to critical raw materials,” and emphasized the ongoing efforts to diversify supply sources for these materials.
The Social Democrats in the European Parliament have also expressed “serious concern” about the export controls imposed by China. Their statement noted, “These measures, presented as national security protections, aim to reinforce China’s dominance over essential materials necessary for global high-tech and green energy sectors.” They urged the Commission and member states to “accelerate initiatives to establish a diversified and resilient supply chain for rare earths, independent of any single country.”
Rare earths are crucial for various technologies, including smartphones, electric vehicles, renewable energy systems, and defense applications. The Socialists and Democrats group in the European Parliament pointed out that “China’s dominant position in the supply chain—accounting for over 70% of mining and more than 90% of processing and manufacturing of magnets—grants it significant leverage that could destabilize global markets and disrupt fair competition.” (10/9/25)
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