Japan struggles to secure rare earths for EVs, chip tools under China pressure

MaterialsDysprosium, yttrium imports plummet around 80% compared to 2 years agoMany Japanese materials companies are drawing down rare-earth inventories to maintain deliveries to major customers. (Source photos by Masayuki Kozono and Yuki Nakao)Nikkei staff writersAugust 15, 2026 01:06 JSTTOKYO -- Japan is finding it increasingly difficult to source rare earths for electric vehicles and chipmaking equipment as Chinese trade restrictions squeeze supplies, forcing materials makers to use up inventories.