Japan Seeks to End China Rare Earth Dependency, Targets 63% Import Reliance Shift

According to Fount Media on July 10, Japan's government and industry launched a comprehensive strategy to reduce critical dependence on Chinese rare earth supplies, with officials including Tokyo officials stating the country will become a nation that "never lacks rare earth elements." This follows decades of concern since a 2010 supply dispute.

Japan is pursuing multiple paths: extracting rare earth-bearing mud from seabeds near Minami-Tori Shima, partnering with Australia's Lynas and Europe's Imerys to diversify supply chains, and expanding domestic magnet production at firms including Shin-Etsu Chemical and Daikin Industries. Mitsubishi Electric launched a rare earth recovery program from discarded air conditioners. However, current data shows Japan imported 63% of rare earth materials from China as of end-2024, up from roughly 50% in 2018, with 100% dependence on Chinese heavy rare earths.