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How vulnerable is the euro area to restrictions on Chinese rare earth exports?

Author

Listed:
  • Banin, Mattia
  • D'Agostino, Mario
  • Gunnella, Vanessa
  • Lebastard, Laura

Abstract

This box examines the vulnerability of the euro area to China’s export restrictions on rare earth elements. Rare earth elements are essential for industries such as defence, electric vehicles, energy and electronics. Disruption to their supply poses significant risks because of their extensive use in manufacturing. A significant share of the rare earth supplies to the euro area is also indirectly sourced through intermediaries, particularly US firms, which themselves depend heavily on Chinese producers. Recent export restrictions have already disrupted European industries, with the automotive sector experiencing production halts caused by critically low stock. Such dependencies expose the euro area to vulnerabilities from future supply shocks, with potential ripple effects on industrial output and inflation. JEL Classification: F12, F13, F14, F23, L14

Suggested Citation

  • Banin, Mattia & D'Agostino, Mario & Gunnella, Vanessa & Lebastard, Laura, 2025. "How vulnerable is the euro area to restrictions on Chinese rare earth exports?," Economic Bulletin Boxes, European Central Bank, vol. 6.
    • Handle: RePEc:ecb:ecbbox:2025:0006:1
    Note: 2700331
    as

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    Keywords

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    JEL classification:

    • F12 - International Economics - - Trade - - - Models of Trade with Imperfect Competition and Scale Economies; Fragmentation
    • F13 - International Economics - - Trade - - - Trade Policy; International Trade Organizations
    • F14 - International Economics - - Trade - - - Empirical Studies of Trade
    • F23 - International Economics - - International Factor Movements and International Business - - - Multinational Firms; International Business
    • L14 - Industrial Organization - - Market Structure, Firm Strategy, and Market Performance - - - Transactional Relationships; Contracts and Reputation

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