Trump non-committal on Beijing's rare earth curbs as EU expresses concern
發佈日期: 2025-10-10 20:45
TVB News
The European Commission has expressed concern about China's latest export curbs on certain types of rare earth minerals and related technologies. These are critical for the production of semiconductors and advanced electronic systems.
U.S. President Donald Trump suggested that his country may stop buying products from China.
The Associated Press reported China's Ministry of Commerce rolled out export restrictions on some types of artificial diamonds and artificial graphite anode materials on Thursday.
In an expansion of the sweeping measures announced in April, the ministry added five new rare-earth elements, such as holmium and erbium, to its export control list.
Related production technologies and their overseas use, including military and semiconductor applications, will be under tighter restrictions that require export licences approved by authorities.
The European Union, which depends heavily on China for rare earths, said it was "worried" by the announcement, with senior officials examining the details.
A European Commission trade spokesperson said he expects Beijing to act as a reliable partner. He hopes Beijing can ensure stable, predictable access to critical raw materials.
Some analysts speculate that China intends to leverage its rare earths as a bargaining chip in a possible meeting between President Xi Jinping and U.S. President Donald Trump on APEC sidelines later this month.
In Washington, Trump told reporters he hasn't been briefed on the curbs, but hinted the U.S. could stop purchases of Chinese goods.
He said: "Look, we have the ultimate export, we have import and we have export. We import from China massive amounts, and you know maybe we'll have to stop doing that."
