The Tokyo-based The Asahi Shimbun newspaper reported in an article dated Feb. 28 that the Japanese government is moving forward with plans to achieve zero dependence on China for some rare earths by the close of 2028. As early as April 2025, the U.S. think tank CSIS (Center for Strategic and International Studies) summarized the impact of China’s tightening of export restrictions on multiple rare earths and magnets, pointing out that U.S. and U.S.-allied dependence on China could have ripple effects in the form of production shutdowns and other consequences. The restructuring of the supply chain within the United States is centered around the Mountain Pass mine in California, and there have been reports of expanding partnerships between the U.S. government (Department of War) and private companies.
Author: Minsoo Lee
Published at: 2026-03-30 21:55:47
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