EU Shortlists 3 Minerals for First Stockpile as China Dominates Critical Supply
Updated
Updated · Reuters · May 20
EU Shortlists 3 Minerals for First Stockpile as China Dominates Critical Supply
11 articles · Updated · Reuters · May 20
Tungsten, rare earths and Gallium have been shortlisted for the EU’s first joint critical-minerals stockpile, with magnesium also prioritized and Germanium and graphite expected in the final mix.
Rotterdam is in talks with Brussels and the Dutch government on a storage role, while EU officials this week assessed Porto Marghera near Venice and have also considered Trieste as a Mediterranean hub.
The stockpile is one of the bloc’s clearest moves yet to cut exposure to China, whose export curbs have rattled global supply chains for defence, semiconductors, autos and renewable energy equipment.
Ten EU countries are involved in planning under working groups led by Italy, France and Germany after the Commission launched the initiative in December, and the bloc is discussing a permanent secretariat to keep it running.
Can Western stockpiles counter China's chokehold on mineral processing, the most critical stage of the supply chain?
How might Beijing retaliate against the West’s mineral alliance, and which industries are now most at risk?
Will the race for minerals spark an innovation boom, creating new materials that make today's 'critical' resources obsolete?
Europe’s $10 Billion Critical Minerals Stockpile: The EU’s Urgent Bid for Supply Chain Security Amid China’s Dominance
Overview
In December 2025, the European Union announced its first coordinated critical minerals stockpile, marking a major step to strengthen supply chain resilience. This move builds on the EU’s 2023 strategy to reduce its heavy reliance on China for critical minerals. Facing immediate pressures from export restrictions, defense needs, and clean-tech demands, Europe recognized that long-term diversification goals were not enough. With China’s export controls and dominance in industrial metals causing global disruptions, the EU is now actively storing key minerals and implementing joint purchasing, aiming to protect its industries and secure its economic future.