Automakers seek Modi govt's help in expediting approvals from China for rare earth magnet imports
Amid China's restrictions on exports of rare earth elements and magnets, Indian automakers have sought Modi government's help in expediting approvals from the Chinese government for importing rare earth magnets, reported news agency PTI.
China controls more than 90% of global processing capacity for the magnets, used across several sectors such as automobiles, home appliances and clean energy.
Beijing had imposed curbs, with effect from April 4, mandating special export licences for seven rare earth elements and related magnets.
Several domestic suppliers have sought approval from the Chinese government through their local vendors in China, but no approvals have been granted so far, according to the PTI report citing industry sources.
Last week, Maruti Suzuki India Senior Executive Officer (Corporate Affairs) Rahul Bharti said China has asked for an end-user certificate, endorsed by the Indian government and approved by the Chinese government.
"So that process is on and industry is in discussion with the government," he stated.
In Japan, Suzuki Motor has already suspended production of its Swift car because of China's curbs.
Rare earth magnets are used for multiple applications in electric vehicles (EVs) – electric motors, regenerative braking systems, power steering etc. They have high magnetic energy storage capacity with low coercivity at high operating temperatures.
The curbs on export of the rare earth magnets by China could have serious implications such as inflationary pressures or disruption in production for the auto industry.
The critical materials include, samarium, gadolinium, terbium, dysprosium and lutetium, which are essential in electric motors, braking systems, smartphones and missile technology.
On Saturday, the Union Commerce Ministry said China approved a certain number of export license applications for rare earth-related metals.
The approval was granted considering rising global demand for medium and heavy rare earth elements driven by industries such as robotics and new energy vehicles, a spokesperson of the Commerce Ministry said.
Rare earth-related items have dual-use attributes for both military and civilian purposes, the spokesperson said.
China will continue to strengthen the review of compliant applications and is ready to enhance communication and dialogue on export controls with relevant countries to facilitate compliant trade, the spokesperson said.
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Time of India
17 minutes ago
- Time of India
5 apply for DCRA empanelment as TRAI preps for digital connectivity rating system for buildings, properties
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To support this, TRAI is developing a digital platform and final property assessments will also be published on the regulator's website. Over time, TRAI expects the digital connectivity rating system to become a standard and key selling point for developers, builders on the one hand, and buyers or tenants on the other, given connectivity demands at workplace and homes. At present, dense construction in urban areas also makes connectivity a challenge in many locations. "We have already issued the regulation for the rating framework. We have also initiated the process of empanelling agencies who can do the rating and the call for application is on. We have received applications from five agencies who have shown interest in getting empanelled as DCRAs. "We have also issued a draft manual on the rating system so that there is a uniform, standard, transparent process for the rating, which is known across all the rating agencies and property managers who are seeking the rating. After that, it is for any property manager to approach a rating agencies and get the rating," Lahoti said. Last month, TRAI released the draft manual for assessment of rating of properties for digital connectivity under the Rating of Properties for Digital Connectivity Regulations , 2024. According to TRAI, the rating manual will enable adoption of uniform assessment methodology by the Digital Connectivity Rating Agencies for rating of properties. It will also provide a standard reference for the property managers for creation of digital connectivity infrastructure (DCI) in their properties. Buildings shall be evaluated based on defined parameters in the regulation -- fiber readiness, mobile network availability, in-building solutions, and wi-fi infrastructure, service performance among others. 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First Post
18 minutes ago
- First Post
Pakistan: Former PM Imran Khan likely to get bail in Al-Qadir Trust case on June 11, says top PTI leader
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The Hindu
18 minutes ago
- The Hindu
ICDRI 2025: PM Modi outlines key global priorities to strengthen disaster resilience, early warning systems, coordination
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Being delivered in Europe for the first time, in partnership with the Government of France, the 7th edition of CDRI's annual conference will again foster inclusive dialogue and forge action-oriented partnerships to advance the cause of disaster-resilient infrastructure. Through our IRIS programme, we are supporting 24 projects across 25 SIDS, driving sustainable and inclusive infrastructure development.' CDRI was launched by Mr. Modi at the U.N. Climate Action Summit in September 2019 and is a major global initiative playing a leadership role in climate change and disaster resilience matters. CDRI released the working paper on 'Infrastructure Resilience in Small Island Developing States'. The paper provides an assessment of infrastructure risks in SIDS, offering policymakers guidance on multi-hazard threats, expected losses, and a resilience framework integrating financial, institutional, governance, nature-based, and technological solutions for sustainable adaptation.
