More on the Rare Earth Metals Crisis

The lighting industry is being hit with skyrocketing costs as a result of the rare earth metals crisis.  95% of the world’s supplies of rare earth oxides are controlled by China.  China is imposing new tariffs and mining regulations while at the same time reducing exports by up to 40%.

Every manufacturer of fluorescent lamps in the lighting industry depends on rare earth materials.  These materials are a critical component in the phosphors used in energy-efficient fluorescent lamps.

Lighting only uses approximately 10% of the world’s supply of rare earth metals, which means many other industries will also be affected by the rapid price jumps.