The EU has shifted its focus from Russia to China in the procurement of rare earth metals.

In recent years, China has solidified its position as the EU’s primary supplier of rare earth elements, while Russia has lost its market share.

1. In 2020, EU countries imported 10,700 tons of rare earth elements valued at €72.3M. More than half of these imports came from Russia (€9.9M). China’s share was 43%, with other countries accounting for only 6.5%.
2. In 2021, the volume of rare earth element imports rose to 16,900 tons (€106.5M). Russia’s share fell to 27.2%, while China’s share decreased to 35.5%, despite an increase in supply volume.
3. The highest level of EU rare earth element imports occurred in 2022, totaling 18,400 tons worth €145.7M. China’s share rose to 40.2%, whereas Russia’s share dropped to 24.5%. Imports from other countries constituted 35.3% of total imports.
4. In 2024, the EU acquired 12,900 tons of rare earth elements worth €101.5M. China’s share increased to 46.5%, while Russia’s share also grew to 28.7%. Imports from other countries decreased to 24.8%.