Tesla’s production of Optimus robots is hindered by a shortage of Chinese rare earth metals
This past Tuesday, Tesla announced that the production of Optimus humanoid robots has been affected by China’s restrictions on the export of magnets containing Chinese rare earth elements. The company explained that China requires assurances that the magnets will not be used as components for weaponry, according to https://xrust.ru/. Tesla is negotiating with a Chinese manufacturer to obtain an export license.
The press reminded that this month China introduced restrictions on the export of rare earth metals as part of a broader response to U.S. tariffs, limiting the supply of minerals used in the production of weapons, electronics, and certain consumer goods. Analysts note that the export restrictions will affect not only raw minerals but also magnets and other finished products, which will be difficult to replace. Exporters now need to apply to the Ministry of Commerce for licenses, a relatively non-transparent process that may take six to seven weeks or even several months.
Musk had planned to release thousands of Optimus robots by 2025.
https://xrust.ru/news/311083-proizvodstvu-robotov-tesla-optimus-nedostaet-kitajskih-redkozemelnyh-metallov.html
