Yes Jacob, thanks for the point. That is what I meant. If its difficult to force China to export the REEs to other countries, its impossible that China allows other countries to carry out extraction procedures on its land. The ideal effort from all the affected countries would be to dig out their own land or make collaborations with other friendly countries so that they dont need to remain dependant on the Chinese production.
WaqasAltaf, its dam sure that China may come up with some business models from it. In first sight, they won’t allow any other countries to do any sort of expeditions in their soil. They may work out for it with a better business model by attracting foreign companies, who can generate revenue for China.
Its disappointing to see earth's resources being controlled by a single country. Its time that all countries start considering to extract from their lands or finding alternatives for manufacturing as it is unlikely that China or even anyone who holds such control in the future, will listen to WTO agreement or pressure from other countries.
However, in the short-run, all the other affected countries should take actions to convince China or else threaten to impose restrictions on export of its products. An unbiased involvement from UN would be ideal thing to have.
China becomes more and more powerful in these matters. So how US, EU and Japan are going to tackle this problem? Isn't there any other countries who can supply REE's.
I read this morning that the US DOD, at least, doesn't think REE quotas is a problem. They believe there is enough available domestically. Not helpful to the Obama administration's case before the WTO. Ouch!
Limiting the production of processed rare earths is one card that globalization has dealt the Chinese. Using environmental concerns as an excuse may win it a reprieve in the court of public opinion. The WTO though is notorious in discounting local environmental statutes when they are restrictive of exports though.
The competitive advantage in materials may result in raising the standard of living in China. This might be good news for other areas of the world that are looking to attract industry.
EBN Dialogue enables and encourages you to participate in live chats with notable leaders and luminaries. Not only editors and journalists, but the entire EBN community is able to comment and ask questions. Listed below are upcoming and archived chats.
Archived Dialogues
Thailand Stages a Comeback Join EBN contributor Jennifer Baljko on Thursday August 23, 2012, at 11:00 a.m. EST for a live chat on how electronic manufacturers in Thailand have shored up their supply chain to reduce the impact of future natural disasters.
Euro-Crisis: What It Means for High-Tech Firms Join EBN Editor in Chief Bolaji Ojo and Contributing Editor Jennifer Baljko on Thursday, July 12, at 10:00 a.m. EDT for a Live Chat on high-tech and Europe's economic difficulties.
Microsoft Surface: Potential Winners & Losers What are the implications for the electronics industry supply chain of Microsoft Corp.'s decision to launch its own tablet PC? Join industry veteran and EE Times' systems and OEM expert Rick Merritt on Tuesday, July 3, at 12:00 pm EDT for a Live Chat on this subject.
Join EBN contributor Jennifer Baljko on Thursday August 23, 2012, at 11:00 a.m. EST for a live chat on how electronic manufacturers in Thailand have shored up their supply chain to reduce the impact of future natural disasters.
Peter Drucker famously said "Trying to predict the future is like trying to drive down a country road at night with no lights while looking out the back window." Yet in the razor's-edge world of electronics—with a lean supply chain and just-in-time demands—the need to know the future is vital.
While no one really can accurately predict the future, we can take guidance from another Drucker saying which is the best way to predict the future is to create it.
You've heard the saying "the No. 1 supply chain risk is your people." That hasn't always been the case. But today's complex global supply chain requires a new type of multitalented employee. It's one who understands, finance, marketing, economics, is savvy with technology, graceful with relationships and can think analytically.
Where are these people? Are universities properly preparing the next generation supply chain professionals? How do train your existing workforce for these new, demanding positions?
Brian Fuller, editor-in-chief of EBN, will lead a 60-minute Avnet Velocity panel discussion that will ask and answer these and other questions swirling around today's supply-chain talent challenges.
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