China-europe magnesium aluminum energy storage

Why did China stop importing magnesium to Europe?

Chinese shipments to Europe resumed, but EU policy-makers had realised the need to revive production. The last two European sites for magnesium production - in Norway and France - closed in 2001, in part because of competition from cheap imports from China.

Does China have a magnesium value chain?

China dominates magnesium smelting. Such smelting facilities generate high carbon emissions with high energy consumption but contribute low added values. If China can extend its magnesium value chain by producing more value-added magnesium oxide products, then its magnesium industrial chain will be more complete.

Does China need to import magnesium?

With a Herfindahl-Hirschman Index of 6780 (0–10000) for magnesium resources, China does not need to import magnesium resources to meet its domestic demand (Herfindahl, 1950; Gulley et al., 2018). Fugu County in Shaanxi province is China's “Magnesium Capital”.

Is China's magnesium shortage hurting car manufacturers in Europe?

Merkel said the rise in global energy prices was having unexpected knock-on effects, withChina’s magnesium shortage hurting car manufacturers in Europe, according to diplomats familiar with the discussion. Her concerns were echoed by Andrej Babis, prime minister of the Czech Republic, another big car-producing country.

Will China choke off magnesium imports?

Industry bodies including Acea, the carmakers’ body, and Eurofer, the steel lobby group, also signed. The EU is drawing up a strategy to become less reliant on imports of raw materials, including magnesium, after fears have grown that China could choke off supply. The European Commission said it was aware of the situation.

What is the recycling rate of magnesium in China?

Also, China's current magnesium recycling only focuses on magnesium metal and alloy with a less than 14% recycling rate (see Section 3.5). The majority of the waste flows is either discharged into the environment or is hibernated in the form of magnesium compounds (see Section 3.4). Therefore, it is critical to improve magnesium recycling in China.