Interdependence in rare earth element supply between China and the United States helps stabilize global supply chains

Journal article (2024)

Authors

Wei Chen Chinese Academy of Sciences, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences

Matthew J. Eckelman Northeastern University

B. Sprecher Design for Sustainability -

Wei Chen Chinese Academy of Sciences, University of Science and Technology of China

Peng Wang Chinese Academy of Sciences, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences

Research Group

Design for Sustainability () (TU Delft)

DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.oneear.2024.01.011

Rare earth elements Sustainable development Critical raw materials Material flow analysis US–China cooperation

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Published Date

2024

Language

English

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Faculty

Industrial Design Engineering

Department

Sustainable Design Engineering

Research Group

Design for Sustainability

Abstract

Rare earth elements (REEs) are vital to the development of low-carbon technologies. There are rising concerns in the United States and elsewhere about REE supply chain stability and risks given the unvalidated perception in the heavy reliance of China, by far the largest REE supplier. However, the relationship between key countries at different stages of global REE supply chains remains unclear. Here, we use a dynamic flow analysis to explore supply dependence between the United States and China by tracing REE flows from mineral mining to market between 2000 and 2022. Our results indicate complementary and cooperative US–China interactions, especially after 2018 when the United States became a net exporter of REE and China's largest supplier, and China became the largest importer of the US REEs and manufacturer of REE-enabled low-carbon technologies. This intensifying interdependence stabilizes REE supply chains and highlights the importance of cooperative REE trade networks.

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