BRUSSELS, 12th April, 2025 (WAM) - In 2024, China was the EU's largest partner for imports o frare earth elements (REE+), accounting for 46.3% of the total weight of imports, or 6, 000 tonnes.
Figures published by Eurostat, the statistical office of the European Union, showed that China was followed by Russia with 28.4% of imports, or 3, 700 tonnes, and Malaysia, contributing 19.9% of the imports, or 2, 600 tonnes.
According to Eurostat, a total of 12 900 tonnes of rare earth elements (REE+) were imported in 2024 to the EU, marking a decrease of 29.3% compared with 2023.
At the same time, 5, 500 tonnes of rare earth elements were exported from the EU, a drop of only 0.8%.
Rare earth elements are a group of 17 specialty metals with a high supply risk and of significant economic importance, used in various high-tech applications.
