![[News] Tesla’s Robot Plans Stumble Amid China’s Rare Earth Export Curbs](https://cryptonews100.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/Tesla-Optimus-624x416.jpg)
China has just lately launched a brand new spherical of uncommon earth export controls. As reported by Reuters, Tesla CEO Elon Musk states on Tuesday that manufacturing of the corporate’s Optimus humanoid robots is being impacted by China’s restrictions on uncommon earth magnets. Musk beforehand states that he expects Tesla to supply 1000’s of Optimus models this yr, the report provides.
In accordance with the report, Musk signifies that China is looking for ensures that its uncommon earth magnets gained’t be used for army purposes. He provides that Tesla is at present working with Chinese language authorities to safe an export license for the magnets.
In the course of the earnings name, Musk additionally addresses the influence of tariffs, noting that they have an effect on Tesla’s power enterprise essentially the most, as the corporate sources LFP (lithium iron phosphate) battery cells from China, as famous by Bloomberg.
Tesla experiences its earnings for the primary quarter of 2025 on Tuesday. Complete income falls 9% year-over-year—from USD 21.3 billion to USD 19.3 billion. Automotive income drops 20%, from USD 17.4 billion to USD 14 billion.
China’s Latest Export Controls on Rare Earths
Musk’s remarks come amid rising international considerations over China’s tightening grip on uncommon earth exports. In accordance with Liberty Times, citing Financial Times and The Korea Herald, China’s newest spherical of export controls may set off manufacturing shutdowns within the automotive sector, as provides of essential magnets might run out inside months if China enforces a full export halt.
The brand new restrictions, introduced by Beijing on April 4, apply to seven uncommon earth parts—samarium, gadolinium, terbium, dysprosium, lutetium, scandium, and yttrium—in addition to associated merchandise like everlasting magnets. Whereas not an outright ban, the rules now require corporations to acquire particular licenses, probably inflicting vital cargo delays, The Korea Herald notes.
Humanoid Robotics: A New Entrance within the US-China Tech Race
Humanoid robotics are rising as a brand new focus within the US-China tech rivalry. In accordance with TrendForce, a comparability of key technological specs reveals that American corporations prioritize industrial purposes—specializing in payload capability and battery life—whereas Chinese language producers emphasize versatility and the next diploma of freedom in full-body and hand actions.
Over the following 5 years, industrial humanoid robots are anticipated to exhibit vital worth gaps and tiered purposes, with regional ecosystems fostering localized manufacturing and industrial improvement, TrendForce notes.
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(Picture credit score: Tesla)
Please word that this text cites info from Reuters, Bloomberg, Tesla, Liberty Times, Financial Times, and The Korea Herald.
