EU seeks larger rare-earth imports from Vietnam to curb China reliance

EU delegations have drafted a plan to increase imports of rare-earth minerals from Vietnam, focusing on wolfram, antimony, bismuth and titanium, to reduce the bloc’s reliance on China. The documents cite recent Chinese export restrictions that unsettled European supply chains. The proposal recommends financial support for Vietnam’s mining and processing sector to preserve and grow current flows, especially for defence-related materials.

It also stresses the need for tighter cooperation to create a viable alternative to Chinese sources. The EU expects concrete outcomes during the upcoming visit of Vietnamese leader To Lam to Brussels, scheduled for next week. The plan highlights the risk that rival partners could disrupt the intended supply line.