Rare Earths
Japan urges China to lift dual-use goods export ban over Taiwan remarks
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China's commerce ministry announced on January 7 an immediate ban on exports of dual-use goods to Japan. Japan's foreign ministry protested the move as 'extremely regrettable' and demanded its withdrawal. The measure appears to be retaliation for remarks on Taiwan by Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi.
A report by UK consultancy WTW identifies ongoing tariff wars and dependence on China as two top emerging risks for the global defence sector. It warns that the defence sector's reliance on Chinese materials and components, particularly rare earths and electronics, presents significant supply chain vulnerability amid geopolitical risks. The findings are based on interviews with five industry executives from Australia, Europe, and North America.
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As part of ongoing China-Japan tensions over Taiwan, including Beijing's recent ban on dual-use exports like rare earths, Japanese firms are evaluating supply chain effects, which are not expected until next month at the earliest.
Following initial reports of a major critical minerals discovery at Utah's Silicon Ridge, Ionic Minerals Technology reveals specifics on 16 key minerals, zero-waste extraction plans, and strong state backing, positioning the site as a U.S. alternative to Chinese supplies.
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The European Union and South Africa have signed an agreement for cooperation in mining and processing minerals and metals. EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen highlighted the need for these raw materials to advance the energy transition. The deal seeks to reduce Europe's reliance on China.