Rare earth supply pinch puts India's EV makers on a six-week clock

China controls 92 per cent of global REM magnet production, with other players like Japan (7 per cent) and Vietnam (1 per cent) contributing marginally

China’s new export restrictions on rare earth metals (REM), which took effect on April 4, are already causing delays in supply to Indian automotive manufacturers and are expected to disrupt production — especially of electric vehicles (EVs) — as original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) in the country have inventories sufficient for only six to eight weeks, say industry experts. 

However, sources reveal that the request by a joint delegation comprising representatives from the Society of Indian Automobile Manufacturers (Siam) and the Automotive Component Manufacturers Association of India (Acma) to meet senior Chinese government officials to raise concerns over the situation is