SHANGHAI/STOCKHOLM/WASHINGTON : China's decision this week to restrict exports of some strategic metals has prompted more companies to re-think their reliance on the world's No. 2 economy at a time when mounting geopolitical tensions have fed fears that more curbs could be coming.
"These actions underscore the need to diversify supply chains," a U.S. Department of Commerce spokesperson said in a statement."The United States will engage with our allies and partners to address this and to build resilience in critical supply chains." China has been the go-to for companies because it is able to export processed minerals at a lower cost than other countries. If prices rise as restrictions take hold, however, companies would have another reason to shift supply chains.
China's announcement came just ahead of a visit to Beijing by U.S. Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen. The metal curbs are likely to further strain U.S.-China relations as the countries vie for dominance in key sectors of semiconductors and defense technology.