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EU plans to stockpile critical minerals amid US-China tension, FT says

Published by Global Banking & Finance Review

Posted on November 19, 2025

1 min read

· Last updated: January 20, 2026

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EU plans to stockpile critical minerals amid US-China tension, FT says
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(Reuters) -The European Union plans to set up a central authority to coordinate buying and stockpiling of critical minerals to keep the U.S. from securing supplies "under our noses," industry chief

EU to Stockpile Critical Minerals in Response to Global Tensions

(Reuters) -The European Union plans to set up a central authority to coordinate buying and stockpiling of critical minerals to keep the U.S. from securing supplies "under our noses," industry chief Stéphane Séjourné said on Wednesday.

In an interview, Séjourné told the Financial Times newspaper that the EU had become "collateral damage" in a U.S.-China dispute over rare earths, which are vital for defence and clean technologies.

(Reporting by Rajveer Singh Pardesi in Bengaluru; Editing by Clarence Fernandez)

Key Takeaways

  • The EU plans to set up a central authority for mineral stockpiling.
  • The move aims to prevent the US from securing mineral supplies.
  • EU considers itself collateral damage in US-China rare earths dispute.
  • Critical minerals are vital for defense and clean technologies.
  • Stéphane Séjourné is leading the EU's mineral strategy.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is stockpiling?
Stockpiling refers to the practice of accumulating and storing a reserve of goods or materials, often to ensure availability during shortages or supply disruptions.
What are rare earths?
Rare earths are a group of 17 chemical elements that are critical in the manufacturing of various high-tech products, including electronics, batteries, and renewable energy technologies.

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