November 24, 2010

AP reports that China has resumed shipments of rare earths to Japan, ending a long officially denied boycott following a territorial confrontation over the East China Sea.

Japan has responded by working to diversify its supply base. Over the past weeks, the country's officials and companies have been reaching out to Vietnam, Mongolia and Australia in bids to find alternative sources of technology metals. The government has been providing financial support to Japanese companies who are trying to secure the country's supply chain.

"Efforts that aim to diversify the regions and countries from where we import rare earths are intensifying, and I want to increase my efforts even more in this area to demonstrate solid, steady progress," said Japanese trade and industry minister Akihiro Ohata.