Japan and France are set to unveil a strategic partnership on Wednesday to diversify supplies of rare earths and critical minerals, aiming to reduce dependence on Chinese supply chains. A joint statement from Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi and French President Emmanuel Macron will highlight concerns over export restrictions on these vital resources.
The centerpiece of this collaboration is a public-private project slated to begin by year-end in southwestern France. This initiative will focus on refining heavy rare earths, essential for electric vehicle motors and advanced technologies. Both nations are prioritizing the creation of resilient supply chains free from over-reliance on a single source.
Beyond minerals, the partnership extends into the space sector with ambitious goals. Japanese and French companies will ink memorandums of understanding on 12 joint projects, covering areas like space debris removal and rocket launches. Notable collaborations include IHI Aerospace, a unit of Japan’s IHI, teaming up with a French counterpart to enhance space safety monitoring, while surveying firm Pasco and Airbus deepen ties on satellite data.
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The Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA) and France’s CNES will also provide financial backing for corporate space technology development. This funding will support companies from both countries engaged in joint projects, reinforcing France’s position as Europe’s leading space power with strong global market shares in rocket development and satellite communications.
Japan, for its part, is targeting a doubling of its space-related business market, from 4 trillion yen ($25.1 billion) in 2020 to 8 trillion yen by the early 2030s. Teaming up with France offers a competitive edge against dominant players like the U.S., China, and Russia.
Additionally, a ministerial-level joint statement will outline enhanced cooperation between startup development programs in both nations. This broader economic alignment signals a deepening bilateral relationship across high-growth sectors.
The rare earth refining project in France stands as a tangible first step, with operations expected to commence before the close of 2026. This timeline underscores the urgency both governments place on securing alternative supply chains for critical minerals.
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