Worse rare earth shortages ‘yet to come’

Japan Times reports that trade statistics have revealed the country’s import of rare earth minerals from China surged by more than 50 percent in the January-November period last year from the same period in 2009.

The editorial is quoted as saying:

China suspended exports in September, only to resume them a few weeks later. Although there has been no news that production of smart phones and hybrid cars has been stalled because of a shortage of rare earth metals, Japanese trading houses and firms are trying to reduce their reliance on China.

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