Automakers to visit China over supply of rare earths

A delegation of auto industry representatives is gearing up for a China visit to expedite the import of rare earth magnets to Indian entities, as per the industry sources.

Around 40-50 company executives have received visa approval but still await a go-ahead from the Chinese commerce ministry for a meeting regarding the matter.

“Around 40-50 executives, representing both auto OEMs and component firms, have received visas and are now awaiting a go-ahead from China’s Ministry of Commerce for a meeting,” an industry source stated. No approvals have been granted so far, another source added.

The country’s largest carmaker Maruti Suzuki India is recalibrating production of its e-VITARA due to the shortage of rare earth magnets, industry sources said. While most automakers have 4-6 weeks of inventory, delays could start affecting production, with EV models facing rescheduling from July 2025.