Beijing has approved more export licenses for the critical minerals and magnets in recent days, but supplies remain scarce and factories in the West are running out.

China tightens its grip on global rare earth supply by curbing exports of key minerals, raising alarms among automakers and defence sectors worldwide

The auto industries in both the US and Europe could come to a standstill within weeks thanks to China’s ongoing restrictions on exports of rare earth minerals and magnets. Several European car part manufacturers have already halted production lines according to the European Association of Automotive Suppliers (CLEPA).