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Kritische Rohstoffe – Die Achillesverse der USA im Wettstreit mit China

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  • Schmid Marc

    (Wirtschaftswissenschaftlicher Bereich, Martin-Luther-Universität Halle-Wittenberg, Große Steinstraße 7306108 Halle (Saale)Halle (Saale), Deutschland)

Abstract

The confrontation between the US and China in the current trade dispute is one of the first clashes between the established and the emerging world power. This contibution examines the special role of critical raw materials in the rivalry of the two countries. The analysis reveals the reliance of the United States on the supply of critical raw materials from China, which is a severe weakness of the US economy and military. The dependency leads to supply risks, undermines the American position in the conflict between the two countries and is an Achilles’ heel that makes the US economy vulnerable. US politics seems to be aware of the risk, but their measures are not sufficient in order to reduce the supply risks and dependency associated with critical raw materials from China. A comprehensive and long-term oriented raw material strategy is required.

Suggested Citation

  • Schmid Marc, 2019. "Kritische Rohstoffe – Die Achillesverse der USA im Wettstreit mit China," Zeitschrift für Wirtschaftspolitik, De Gruyter, vol. 68(3), pages 309-330, December.
    • Handle: RePEc:lus:zwipol:v:68:y:2019:i:3:p:309-330:n:3
    DOI: 10.1515/zfwp-2019-2015
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    More about this item

    Keywords

    Trade dispute; critical raw materials; supply risks; rare earths; Handelsstreit; kritische Rohstoffe; Versorgungsrisiken; Seltene Erden;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • Q31 - Agricultural and Natural Resource Economics; Environmental and Ecological Economics - - Nonrenewable Resources and Conservation - - - Demand and Supply; Prices
    • Q34 - Agricultural and Natural Resource Economics; Environmental and Ecological Economics - - Nonrenewable Resources and Conservation - - - Natural Resources and Domestic and International Conflicts
    • F13 - International Economics - - Trade - - - Trade Policy; International Trade Organizations
    • F51 - International Economics - - International Relations, National Security, and International Political Economy - - - International Conflicts; Negotiations; Sanctions

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