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United States President Donald Trump signs an executive order in Jupiter, Florida, on September 8, 2020 – Photo: Joe Raedle / Getty Images
Associated Bloomberg On October 1, it was reported that US President Donald Trump signed an executive order to expand the production of rare earth elements, which are essential for many manufacturing activities and reduce dependence on China.
The Ordinance, announced on September 30 and declaring a national emergency in the mining industry, directs the United States Department of the Interior to consider using the Defense Production Act to accelerate the development of landmines. rare.
In the past, the Trump administration used the law to increase production of medical supplies during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Rare earths, a group of 17 elements, are important ingredients in many industries and high technology, such as the manufacture of superconducting materials. From Apple iPhones to missile-guided systems, they all have a rare-earth Chinese component.
“Our dependence on one country for important minerals is particularly worrisome. Now the United States imports 80% of rare earths directly from China, while much of the rest is indirect.” from China through other countries, “said the decree.
Under the decree issued, the US Department of Energy will provide guidance to clarify which projects to support national supply chains will have access to capital. The Ministry of the Interior and the Ministry of Energy should encourage the development and reuse of old mines.
This is the latest move by the Trump administration to end China’s dominance over rare earth supplies. The executive ordinance announced on September 30 is likely to result in the imposition of additional import duties, quotas or other restrictions, according to the News Agency. Reuters.
Last year, President Trump told the US Department of Defense that there are better ways to obtain rare earth cobalt and samarium magnets, which are often found in precision guided missiles, smart bombs and military aircraft.
Japan is seen as the best evidence when people want to talk about the consequences of China’s dependence on rare earths.
In 2010, when Tokyo and Beijing were tense over the dispute between the Senkaku / Diaoyu islands in the East China Sea, China tried to limit rare earth exports to Japan by setting quotas, tightening licenses and increasing taxes. .
This hampered Japan’s electronics industry. However, that also motivates Japanese scientists and geologists to seek alternative supplies, reducing their dependence on China.
