Rare earths and permanent-magnet supply chain
BOTTLENECKChina controls separation and magnet manufacturing and sets global prices through export policy, blocking viable second sources.
Rare-earth ore mining through separation, alloy production, and permanent magnet manufacturing, plus recycling. Neodymium-iron-boron magnets enable high-efficiency motors and generators in power infrastructure. China controls separation and magnet manufacturing, capturing most value through export policy that sets international prices.
What the evidence shows
China's share increases from 69% mining to 90% downstream.
idtechex.comCurrent rare earth mining and separation capacity cannot satisfy demand without multi-year expansion lead times.
factmr.comChina's April 2025 export controls on heavy rare earths forced some carmakers to shut down factories.
iea.orgWho controls it
No independently verified market-size figure is published for this node yet.
Where it sits in the stack
Takes in: RE-bearing ore, process chemicals, energy
Sends on: Individual REOs, NdFeB and SmCo alloy, sintered and bonded permanent magnets
8 upstream · 16 downstream
Related nodes
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