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Independent Singapore
a day ago
- Automotive
- Independent Singapore
Rare earths crisis looms; experts warn of supply chaos rivaling pandemic
A cluster of earth crystals INTERNATIONAL: As rare earth pressures intensify between the U.S. and China, American builders are confronted with an impending emergency evocative of the pandemic-period's chip scarcity, but with more extensive repercussions. China tightens the grip: New export rules shake global supply chains According to a recent CNN report, the automobile industry is sounding the alarm over a probable scarcity of rare earth elements, vital minerals utilised in everything from power-driven engines to seatbelt devices. Industry stakeholders are naming it 'the chip shortage on steroids.' And they have cause for apprehension — in April, China instigated new licensing guidelines on rare earth exports, additionally constricting its hold on the international supply of these 17 indispensable natural resources. These elements are crucial to the manufacture of cars, smartphones, wind turbines, jet engines, and even medical paraphernalia. With China regulating 92% of the worldwide processing volume, any interruption has broad impacts. The new limitations have already slackened outbound consignments, with U.S. builders sitting on just two to three months of stored supply. 'Industry simply could not manufacture' without a new agreement, cautions Gracelin Baskaran of the Centre for Strategic and International Studies. See also China threatens retaliation for US curbs on 'propaganda' outlets Talks in London, temporary relief, and uncertain futures Trade meetings between the U.S. and China in London are at present in progress, with rare earths at the top of the agenda. A recent conversation between President Donald Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping seemed to provide a flicker of hope, with China consenting to restart some exports. But specialists caution that the reprieve may be provisional and inadequate to alleviate stressed supply chains. 'The exports were already trickling out before the call — just not fast enough,' said Baskaran. And even provisional authorisations, such as those allegedly bestowed on GM, Ford, and Stellantis dealers, are only good for six months. Without a lasting resolution, builders may be compelled to stop manufacturing and shut down production lines, something already experienced at Ford's Chicago plant, where production of the Explorer SUV stopped for a week. No quick fix: Alternatives fall short, and long-term solutions lag Attempts to find substitutes to rare earth-reliant technologies are ongoing, but specialists like Roderick Eggert from the Colorado School of Mines warn that current stand-ins are detrimental to performance and productivity. 'Motor designs that don't use magnets at all tend to be less efficient,' he said. See also U.S., China should prevent 'military incidents' in South China Sea Building local processing competencies could ultimately lessen U.S. dependence on China, but that answer is years away. 'Of course, we should have seen this coming,' Baskaran said. 'We should have started this 15 years ago.' As businesses brace for growing interruptions, the rare earth deadlock has become a powerful sign of how vital materials now lie at the heart of worldwide economic and geopolitical policy.
The Independent
2 days ago
- Politics
- The Independent
Where North Korea sent warship whose failed launch enraged Kim Jong Un
Satellite images reveal North Korea moved its damaged warship, which partially capsized during a launch last month, to Rajin dockyard for repairs. The 5,000-tonne destroyer, North Korea's second known, was damaged during its launch ceremony on May 21, leading Kim Jong Un to call it a 'criminal act'. The Centre for Strategic and International Studies reported the warship is now in a graving dock at Rajin Ship Repair Factory, with critical parts covered to limit visibility. Experts say the ship's hull will be examined to determine restoration steps, with potential transfer to the fitting out dock for weapons and systems installation after repairs. Kim Jong Un blamed officials for the failed launch, detaining several involved and ordering the ship's restoration before a ruling party meeting.
