Why is the United States so interested in our samarium-cobalt magnets?

In previous negotiations, the United States' core demands centered on samarium-cobalt magnets. Why are they so reliant on this type of high-temperature magnet? We believe the primary reasons are as follows.

First, we must recognize the advantages of these magnets: they withstand high temperatures, resist corrosion and radiation, and offer exceptional magnetic properties. They are widely used in military, aerospace, robotics, and other fields.

The U.S. urgently requires these magnets due to the scarcity of alternatives and military/aerospace demands, while China stands as the world's largest supplier of samarium-cobalt permanent magnets.

China is the global leader in rare earth metal production and exports, with key raw materials like samarium and cobalt for these magnets primarily sourced from China. China occupies a pivotal position in the global supply chain, resulting in the U.S.'s high dependence on Chinese production of samarium-cobalt magnets.

The exceptional magnetic properties of samarium-cobalt magnets make them indispensable in military and aerospace applications, particularly in high-precision, high-reliability equipment such as missiles, satellites, fighter jets, and radar systems. The U.S.'s reliance on these technological domains further amplifies its demand for these magnets.

Regarding alternatives, no ideal material currently exists to fully replace samarium-cobalt magnets. Due to the need for stability in high-temperature environments, corrosion resistance, and high magnetic strength, neodymium-iron-boron magnets cannot fully substitute samarium-cobalt magnets. Consequently, the United States remains reliant on imports to meet specialized sector demands.

In summary, the United States' high dependence on Chinese samarium-cobalt magnets stems from multiple factors. Although the U.S. is accelerating efforts to build a domestic rare earth supply chain, establishing a complete and price-competitive rare earth industrial system capable of countering China remains a long and arduous journey.