This week, Europe’s rare earth vulnerability came into sharp focus: China’s export figures for March confirmed the ongoing supply squeeze, Germany’s import data laid bare the continent’s continued dependence, and the EU launched its long-awaited joint procurement platform for critical raw materials.
China Rare Earth Exports Decline in March
China’s exports of rare earth compounds and metals to the US remained at very low levels in early 2026, a trend that continued into March. Beijing’s export controls on seven rare earth elements, introduced in April 2025, remain in force and continue to restrict shipments to the US and allied military end-users.
Read more: https://rawmaterials.net/china-rare-earth-exports-decline-in-march/
Germany Rare Earth Imports Up Year-on-Year
Germany imported around 13% fewer rare earths in 2024 than the year before, with 65.5% of imports sourced from China. Latest figures now point to a rebound in year-on-year import volumes. With Chinese export restrictions continuing to bite, Germany is stepping up efforts to diversify through partnerships with Australia, Canada and the US.
Read more: https://rawmaterials.net/germany-rare-earth-imports-up-year-on-year/
Critical Raw Materials: EU Launches Joint Procurement Platform
The EU on April 13 launched the critical minerals section of its Energy and Raw Materials Platform, designed to aggregate purchasing power across European buyers and cut dependence on China. The platform targets rare earths, battery materials and defence raw materials, with the first buyer-seller matches set to be announced in September 2026.
Read more: https://rawmaterials.net/critical-raw-materials-eu-launches-joint-procurement-platform/
Neo Performance Materials: Heavy Rare Earths From Estonia
Neo Performance Materials announced on April 10 the successful commissioning of a heavy rare earth solvent extraction line at its Silmet facility in Estonia — the first operation of its kind running entirely within Europe. The new line complements Neo’s magnet plant in Narva and is designed to secure a European supply of terbium and dysprosium, both critical inputs for high-performance permanent magnets.
Read more: https://rawmaterials.net/neo-performance-materials-heavy-rare-earths-from-estonia/
International Monetary Fund: Supply Disruptions in Rare Earths Weigh on Economic Growth
The International Monetary Fund (IMF) this week presented its latest World Economic Outlook. It projects moderate global economic growth of around 3.1% for the current year, which is expected to be dampened by the war in the Middle East through higher energy prices and rising inflation. Emerging markets and resource-importing economies, in particular, are under pressure.
The IMF also dedicates a separate chapter to the risks of disruptions in rare earth supply chains. Such disruptions could lead to significant declines in GDP in major economies, including the United States and Germany.
Read more: https://rawmaterials.net/international-monetary-fund-supply-disruptions-in-rare-earths-weigh-on-economic-growth/