China holds the key to our chips, cars, and wind turbines

Research by CBS highlights the Netherlands' reliance on rare earth metals like gallium, graphite, and lithium, primarily processed in China. This dependency poses risks to the economy, particularly if supply chains are disrupted, potentially leading to higher consumer prices and longer delivery times for electronics. China dominates the processing of these materials, having strategically invested in resource extraction and supply chains. The EU aims to reduce this dependency through increased domestic sourcing and recycling, but progress is slow. The demand for these critical materials is expected to rise due to advancements in technology and the energy transition.