The European Union has created a special communication channel with Chinese authorities to maintain the flow of rare earth materials essential to European industries, EU Trade Commissioner Maros Sefcovic announced. The step comes after China imposed export controls earlier this year, sparking fears of supply disruptions for electric vehicles, wind turbines, and other clean technologies.
Talks with Chinese Commerce Ministry
Sefcovic said he had held multiple discussions with Chinese Commerce Minister Wang Wentao to address the issue. He warned that delays or poorly managed export procedures could severely impact EU production and manufacturing. Speaking in Kuwait at the 2025 GCC-EU Business Forum, Sefcovic confirmed that Brussels and Beijing had agreed to prioritise export applications from European companies.
Fast-Tracking Export Permits
Through the new communication channel, EU and Chinese officials are jointly reviewing and fast-tracking export permits for rare earth materials. Sefcovic said European firms have filed around 2,000 applications since China’s export controls took effect, with just over half already approved.
EU Pushes for Quicker Processing
The European Commission continues to press Beijing to accelerate approval of pending cases. At the same time, Brussels is working to diversify its supply chains by developing new sources in Europe, including projects in Estonia focused on rare-earth and magnet production.
Coordination on General Licences
On Tuesday, the European Commission said EU and Chinese officials had discussed introducing general export licences, similar to those the United States claims to have secured from China.
China Dominates Global Supply
China remains the world’s largest producer of rare earth minerals used in magnets critical for the automotive, electronics, and defence sectors.
