German industry stockpiles critical minerals for China trade talks
Industrial buyers expand rare earth and gallium reserves as Brussels prepares for October negotiations in Beijing, while US officials confirm a tariff truce extension to January 2027.
MOBy Mina Okoro, Supply chain editor··Updated September 29, 2026·4 min read
ShareLinkedInXWhatsAppEmailA worker stands beside crates of imported mineral materials inside a port warehouse near a docked container ship. (AI-generated image)
German industrial buyers accelerated precautionary stockpiling of Chinese critical minerals on Sept. 28, hedging against supply disruptions if upcoming European Union trade negotiations in Beijing collapse.
Germany relies on China for 65.5% of its rare earth imports, leaving automotive and electronic supply chains exposed to licensing disruptions. Buyers fear Beijing could restrict shipments if bilateral talks end without an agreement.
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Supply chain editor — Mina Okoro builds the impact maps that connect East Asian developments to buyers in North America and Europe, and edits the Asia Compare desk.
