Supply Chain Research

Automaker Tesla has reported shifted to using neodymium-based magnets in the motors of its Model 3. While that is a more elegant engineering solution, it raises supply chain risks. That comes as it also needs to secure sources of lithium – possibly by direct investment in mines. U.S. imports of neodymium in raw and magnet form reached a new record in January after a 44% rise in imports from China, which has supplied 64% of the total in the past 12 months. The reliance on China for supplies is also a risk given CEO Elon Musk appears to have sided with President Donald Trump against Chines...