International Trade of Rare Earth Metals: Player Strategies and Geopolitical Confrontation
https://doi.org/10.24833/2073-8420-2025-3-76-89-97
Abstract
Introduction. The article addresses the issues of international trade features in rare earth metals (REM) and the strategic positions of key players in the context of ongoing geopolitical tensions.
Materials and methods. The methodological basis of the study was based on general scientific and special methods that make it possible to analyze the role of key players in the REM market, substantiate the geopolitical confrontation on it and assess the possibilities of forming a multipolar system in the international REM trade. The methods of economic analysis and synthesis, the formal logical method, synchronous and comparative methods are used.
Results of the study. The systemic contradictions affecting the conjuncture of the REM market have been identified. It is shown that the REM trade has become not only an economic issue, but also a part of the national security strategy for many states. The ways of transition from a situation in which China, due to technological and market dominance, has monopoly levers, to the gradual formation of multipolarity in the international trade of the REM are outlined. The main result, which represents an element of scientific novelty, is the diagnosis of the consequences of the geopolitical confrontation in 2010-2025 on the global REM market.
Discussion and conclusion. Economic and political interests, trade wars as a consequence, armed conflicts, and a high geographical and functional concentration of REM directly affect global supply chains, prompting countries to struggle for control over REM sources. The further increase in competition for REM resources leads to the creation of new production facilities for their extraction and processing in different regions of the world, which contributes to the emergence of a more balanced market in the future and the formation of a multipolar international trade system, reducing global dependence on China's influence as a leading supplier and coordinating center for global REM supplies.
About the Authors
Yu. A. Levin
MGIMO University
Russian Federation
Russian Federation
Yuri A. Levin, Doctor of Sciences (Economics), Professor, the Department of national economy and economic regulation, Odintsovo branch
Moscow, Russia
M. Ya. Cherkasov
MGIMO University
Russian Federation
Russian Federation
Mark Ya. Cherkasov, Master’s student, the International Institute of Energy Policy and Innovation Management, Odintsovo branch
Moscow, Russia
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Review
For citations:
Levin Yu.A., Cherkasov M.Ya. International Trade of Rare Earth Metals: Player Strategies and Geopolitical Confrontation. Journal of Law and Administration. 2025;21(3):89-97. (In Russ.) https://doi.org/10.24833/2073-8420-2025-3-76-89-97
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