BRUSSELS, Oct 20 — EU industry chief Stephane Sejourne will hold urgent talks today with European industries impacted by China’s curbs on rare earths exports.
China, the world’s leading producer of the minerals used to make magnets crucial to the auto, electronics and defence industries, this month announced new controls on the export of rare-earth technologies.
The European Union has already said the restrictions have forced some of the bloc’s companies to halt production and inflicted economic harm.
Brussels is also coordinating with G7 partners on a response to China’s curbs.
Now, Sejourne will convene executives from various industries by video link early today to assess the effects of China’s move, and discuss what extra steps Brussels is taking, a source in his cabinet told AFP.
The meeting will include members of the auto, defence, wind energy, chemicals and mining processing sectors, especially those linked to European raw materials projects, the source added.
Sejourne will share details from the talks tomorrow with EU commissioners meeting during the European Parliament’s plenary session in Strasbourg, France. — AFP
