Critical raw materials • Table.Briefings

May 14th, 2026

BRICS: India chairs overshadowed talks

The escalating tensions in the Middle East, in particular the conflict surrounding Iran, is dominating the meeting of BRICS foreign ministers in New Delhi.

By Amelie Richter

News | Industrial Accelerator Act

May 12th, 2026

IAA: German government follows up on AI

With the Industrial Accelerator Act, the Commission is aiming to protect emerging key industries from competition from China and other countries. The German government’s comments now indicate how Berlin intends to further develop the draft.

By Manuel Berkel

News | Security policy

May 12th, 2026

GPPi study: Europe's political strategy on raw materials is a security risk

The Global Public Policy Institute views Europe’s inadequate strategic stockpiling of critical raw materials as a major shortcoming in its security policy. Berlin must take the lead in addressing this issue – with the help of the defense industry.

By Markus Bickel

Feature | Trade policy

May 1st, 2026

Market access: China’s zero-tariff policy for Africa – and why caution is warranted

From Friday, nearly all African countries will be able to export goods to China free of tariffs. In addition to minerals, Beijing has a particular interest in agricultural products. The new economic policy advances China’s own interests – which may not be entirely welcome news for Africa.

By Lucia Weiß

An excavator loads trucks with rare earth at a mine in Mojiang Hani Autonomous County, Simao city, southwest Chinas Yunnan province, 18 March 2008. The EU has demanded that China loosen its policy on sales of rare earth materials after the World Trade Organisation upheld a ruling that Beijings policies to limit raw material exports violated international trade rules. The case, brought in 2009 by the EU, US and Mexico, touches on one of the biggest sources of tension in the world trading system: the use of export restrictions to hoard raw materials for the use of domestic manufacturers.

Feature | Raw materials

April 30th, 2026

Raw materials: How the EU and the US plan to challenge China’s monopoly

To diversify their supply chains, Brussels and Washington are relying on price floors and joint procurement. However, the EU must be careful not to let the US dictate all the details.

By Antonia Zimmermann

Feature | Raw materials

April 29th, 2026

Raw materials: How the EU and the US want to challenge China’s monopoly

To diversify their supply chains, Brussels and Washington are betting on price floors and joint procurement. It remains unclear whether these efforts will be enough to break China’s dominant position.

By Antonia Zimmermann

News | Critical raw materials

April 27th, 2026

Critical raw materials: European Union and US sign memorandum of understanding on a ‘strategic partnership’

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio and European Trade Commissioner Maroš Šefčovič signed a memorandum of understanding on Friday to strengthen cooperation on critical raw materials.

By Redaktion Table

News | DR Congo

April 24th, 2026

DR Congo: Virtus Minerals accused of misrepresenting its mining experience

In March, US mining company Virtus Minerals acquired mines in the Democratic Republic of the Congo worth $30 million. A Reuters investigation has now found that the company appears to have misrepresented its mining experience.

By Redaktion Table

News | Rare earths

April 14th, 2026

Rare earths: Dependence on China remains high

Despite lower volumes, Germany remains heavily dependent on rare earths from China. According to an analysis by the Friedrich Naumann Foundation, dependence on some individual elements has even increased.

By Fabian Peltsch

Feature | Trade policy

April 14th, 2026

Export controls: EU Chamber warns of new escalation

The issue of export controls had recently gone somewhat quieter. But the EU Chamber in Beijing warns that suspended measures with far-reaching consequences could return within just a few months.

By Jörn Petring