China Lifts Rare Earth Magnet Export Ban: Relief for India’s EV Industry, Push for Self-Reliance Gains Momentum
Rare Earth Magnet: After months of tussle and pressure on the supply chain, Beijing has finally lifted the rare earth magnet export ban on India. Last April, China imposed strict restrictions on the export of seven important rare earth elements and magnets. This was a big blow for India, which meets more than 80 percent of its needs from China.
Months of struggle and pressure on the supply chain finally paid off as Beijing has, at last, lifted the ban on rare earth magnet exports to India. The move comes when the Indian automobile industry was struggling with fears of disruption in production and deceleration of the EV sector.
The action is thought to be a consequence of top-level discussions between External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar and Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi. This is an indication of a small but significant relaxation in trade tensions between the countries.
China last April imposed rigid controls on the export of seven key rare earth elements and magnets. India, which gets over 80 percent of its requirements from China, was a major hit.