So-called permanent rare-earth magnets are the biggest single market for the minerals, and China accounts for more than 90% of global production. Their widespread use in everything from vacuum cleaners to vehicles and fighter planes means multiple US industries could suffer if China chooses to block their supply amid a deepening trade war between the world’s biggest economies.
China has signalled it’s gearing up to use its dominance of the global rare earths industry to hit back at US measures that include the blacklisting of Huawei Technologies Co. The elements are often overlooked, but modern life would be impossible without them, Commerce Secretary Wilbur Ross said this week as the US released a report that promised “unprecedented action” to ensure supply.
China’s magnet exports totalled US$1.7 billion last year, Citigroup said. While the US imported about US$395 million, including US$257 million from China, that masks the potential economic hurt to downstream industries as magnets used in miniature motors perform essential functions in automobiles, wind turbines, and many home appliances.
90% rare-earth from China and 10% from somewhere else, how much of rare-earth actually the US needs ? Its a total ridiculous if one keeps talking how much this and that of China controls.
Nasib baik Hardisk dah ganti ke SSD takder guna magnet nie. Kalau tak makin mahal storage