Delays Disrupt European Supply Chains
On September 17, 2025, reports confirmed that European manufacturers are facing renewed delays in securing Chinese export licences for rare earth elements. The bottlenecks have affected sectors ranging from wind-turbine production to defense equipment, raising concerns about Europe’s dependence on China for materials critical to advanced manufacturing. Companies warn that even short delays can slow down production schedules and raise costs in already fragile supply chains.
Strategic Minerals Under Pressure
Rare earths are indispensable for high-tech magnets, batteries, and defense technologies, and China controls the majority of global exports. The licence delays, reportedly linked to tighter regulatory checks and geopolitical frictions, have reignited debate in Europe about the risks of supply-chain concentration. EU officials reiterated the urgency of diversifying sources under the Critical Raw Materials Act, pointing to projects in Sweden, Greenland, and Africa as part of a longer-term solution.
Implications for Europe’s Industrial Policy
The disruptions come at a sensitive moment as Europe seeks to accelerate its green and digital transitions while facing competitive pressure from the U.S. and Asia. The licence delays highlight the strategic vulnerability of relying on a single supplier for rare earths and may strengthen political momentum for new stockpiling, recycling, and local extraction initiatives. For European manufacturers, the immediate challenge is navigating short-term shortages without derailing production targets in critical industries.