China’s rare-earth curbs squeeze Japanese manufacturers

China's significant reduction in rare-earth magnet exports to Japan in May has sent ripples through the manufacturing sectors in Japan and South Korea, where these materials are crucial for electronics and automotive production. This move highlights the geopolitical tensions and economic leverage that rare-earth elements hold in international trade. The supply chain disruptions could lead to increased costs and production delays, underscoring the strategic importance of these materials and the risks tied to over-reliance on a single supplier.