In July 2025, the European Commission introduced a new, temporary online tool. This tool is designed to help European companies secure access to rare earths from China and mitigate the impact of tighter Chinese export controls.
Specifically, the tool offers European companies the opportunity to submit their applications for urgently needed supplies of rare earths centrally and digitally. The EU collects this information, sets priorities and forwards it in bulk to the Chinese authorities, without disclosing sensitive company data in order to protect trade secrets.
The tool can be accessed via the EU platform (EU login required). The IT tool is open for submissions every week from Thursday morning to Friday closing time (Brussels time).
China currently covers over 80% of global demand for rare earths, making Europe heavily dependent on it. With the new export restrictions, China has also signalled its intention to make greater strategic use of its economic power in this area. This increases the risk of supply bottlenecks and price increases.
Links:
Chinesische Exportkontrollen für kritische Rohstoffe und Industriemagnete
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