Shenyang Customs Seizes Rare Earth Centrifugal Extractor Bound for the U.S.
Various Chinese language media reported that Shenyang Customs recently seized a “pirated” rare earth centrifugal extractor manufactured in China by a U.S. company from the cargo hold of flight CA981, which was bound for the United States. The discovery has sparked widespread attention, bringing China’s rare earth technology protection efforts back into the spotlight.
Rare earth elements, often referred to as “industrial vitamins,” are essential for modern industry and play a crucial role in high-tech fields, including defense and advanced electronics. The rare earth centrifugal extractor, a key piece of technology in the refining process, enhances the purity and quality of rare earth elements. China holds over 90% of global patents related to rare earth purification and preparation technologies, making it a world leader in this sector. China’s expertise in rare earth refining is unmatched. Chinese enterprises can separate 17 rare earth elements with a purity of up to 99.9999%, a feat that remains beyond the reach of other nations. Even MP Materials, a leading U.S. rare earth processing company, still relies on China for advanced processing. The global significance of China’s dominance in rare earth technology has drawn intense scrutiny, with foreign espionage and intellectual property theft becoming major concerns. In response, China enacted the “Rare Earth Management Regulations” last year to safeguard its resources and core technologies.
The recent seizure of the rare earth centrifugal extractor underscores these ongoing challenges. The equipment, marked “NHE-3000,” closely matches the specifications of those developed by China Northern Heavy Industries Group (NHI), a state-owned enterprise renowned for its heavy machinery and technological innovations. The estimated value of the smuggling attempt is 230 million yuan, highlighting the high stakes involved. This interception brings attention to the ongoing efforts of China Customs in protecting intellectual property and national security. Authorities continue to monitor and enforce regulations to prevent illegal exports of sensitive technology. The case remains under further investigation.