Global price increases and shortage of magnesium
13.10.2021
Question for written answer E-004662/2021
to the Commission
Rule 138
Anna-Michelle Asimakopoulou (PPE), Angel Dzhambazki (ECR), Mircea-Gheorghe Hava (PPE), Bart Groothuis (Renew), Gianna Gancia (ID), Iuliu Winkler (PPE), Ivan Štefanec (PPE), Susana Solís Pérez (Renew), Theodoros Zagorakis (PPE), Francisco Guerreiro (Verts/ALE), Radan Kanev (PPE), Francisco José Millán Mon (PPE), Pietro Fiocchi (ECR), Markus Pieper (PPE), Christophe Hansen (PPE), Manolis Kefalogiannis (PPE), Barry Andrews (Renew), Gabriel Mato (PPE), Massimiliano Salini (PPE), Danuta Maria Hübner (PPE), Miroslav Číž (S&D), Maria Spyraki (PPE), Elissavet Vozemberg-Vrionidi (PPE), Vangelis Meimarakis (PPE), Georgios Kyrtsos (PPE)
China produces approximately 87 % of the world’s magnesium and is the source of 95 % of the EU’s magnesium imports. Magnesium is included in the Commission’s fourth list of critical raw materials for the EU.
As part of efforts to curb its domestic energy consumption, China has stopped production at 25 of its magnesium plants, with others operating at reduced capacity. The result has been a spike in the price of magnesium, with supply shortages predicted to hit EU industry by early December 2021.
Magnesium is a vital material for the aluminium, automotive and steel industries. Shortages at the production level will have knock‑on effects for entire value chains.
- 1.What actions will the Commission take to deal with these critical supply shortages? Will it enter into emergency negotiations with its counterparts in China on this issue?
- 2.How does it intend to ensure a secure and resilient magnesium supply chain for EU industry?