Fact Check: Ford is currently awaiting approval of applications with China's Ministry of Commerce to export more rare earths.

Fact Check: "Ford is currently awaiting approval of applications with China's Ministry of Commerce to export more rare earths."

What We Know

Recent reports indicate that Ford is indeed awaiting approval for applications related to the export of rare earths from China. According to a statement from Ford's CEO, the company has been affected by a shortage of rare earth materials, which are critical for manufacturing electric vehicles and other technologies. The CEO specifically mentioned that Ford is "awaiting approval of applications with China's Ministry of Commerce to export more rare earths" (CBS News).

China has been actively reviewing and approving export license applications for rare earth-related items, emphasizing its commitment to balancing national security with international trade needs. The Ministry of Commerce has stated that it has approved "a certain number" of compliant applications and will continue to enhance the review process for such applications (China Daily, Global Times).

Analysis

The claim that Ford is waiting for approval from China's Ministry of Commerce is supported by credible sources, particularly from CBS News, which directly quotes the Ford CEO regarding the company's situation with rare earths (CBS News). This source is reliable as it is a well-established news outlet known for its journalistic standards.

Moreover, the context provided by the Ministry of Commerce's statements reinforces the notion that China is actively engaged in approving export licenses for rare earths. The ministry has acknowledged the dual-use nature of these materials, which can serve both civilian and military purposes, and has committed to reviewing applications in line with international practices (Xinhua, AP News).

However, while the approval of applications is ongoing, the specifics regarding the number of applications Ford has submitted or the timeline for approval remain unclear. This lack of detailed information introduces a level of uncertainty about the claim, as it does not confirm that Ford's applications will be approved or when such approvals might occur.

Conclusion

Needs Research. While there is credible evidence that Ford is awaiting approval for rare earth export applications from China, the details surrounding the approval process and the specific applications in question are not fully disclosed. Further investigation is needed to clarify the status of these applications and the implications for Ford's operations.

Sources

1. China has approved a number of compliant applications for ...
2. Commerce ministry: China to enhance review, approval of rare-earth ...
3. China grants rare earth export permits after US trade talks, offers ...
4. Ford Puma 1.0 EcoBoost Hybrid 2022: Courroie ou chaîne de …
5. Some rare earth export license applications approved
6. Ford CEO says rare earths shortage forced it to shut factory
7. Fiabilité Ford Ranger 2.0 ecoblue 213cv - Forum-Auto
8. China approves some rare earth export permits | SEAISI