China’s Rare Earth Control Threatens Global Car Industry

The global automotive sector faces a critical threat as China, the world’s dominant producer of rare earth minerals, tightens its grip on these essential elements. These materials are vital for producing both traditional and electric vehicles, leading to an industry-wide crisis. Recent trade restrictions from China have triggered panic among automakers in the U.S. and Europe, forcing companies to brace for potential production slowdowns.  China’s recent policy shift has temporarily eased the pressure on the industry, but experts warn that this relief is short-lived.