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Germany's Raw Material Security Concerns
Germany's industrial future is threatened by raw material supply issues, particularly concerning China's dominance of critical minerals. The country is exploring various strategies to diversify and enhance resource security.
Russian
Germany
Germany ChinaEnergy SecurityInternational TradeSupply ChainIndustryRaw Materials
Federation Of German Industries (Bdi)Roland BergerOrganization For Economic Co-Operation And Development (Oecd)Mercedes-Benz
Siegfried RusswurmManfred Hader
- What strategies is Germany employing to mitigate its raw material dependence?
- To reduce raw material dependency, Germany aims to strengthen European mining, diversify imports, and implement technological innovations such as recycling. The government is exploring strategic partnerships with countries like Kazakhstan and Serbia.
- How has Germany's energy dependence changed, and what new concern has emerged?
- Germany has overcome its dependence on Russian energy, but now faces concerns about China's monopolistic control over critical minerals. A sudden halt in lithium exports from China could cost Germany €115 billion.
- What is the main threat to Germany's industrial base, and what organization addressed it?
- Germany's industrial base is strong, but raw material supply issues threaten deindustrialization. The Federation of German Industries (BDI) held a conference addressing this, highlighting reliance on China for critical minerals like lithium.
- What are some examples of technological innovations being implemented to address the raw material challenge?
- Initiatives include building Europe's largest rare earth recycling plant in Bitterfeld and a Mercedes-Benz battery recycling facility in Kuppenheim. These efforts aim to mitigate the risks associated with reliance on single suppliers.
- What is the significance of China's role in Germany's raw material supply chain, specifically concerning rare earth metals?
- The BDI and Roland Berger's research emphasizes China's growing role in Germany's rare earth metal imports, increasing from 32% in 2014 to 69% in 2023. This highlights a significant shift in dependence.