Macron puts rare earth supply diversification on Malaysia visit agenda
The French president says a broader supplier base would reduce disruption risks for manufacturers and support investment in France.
France will seek a wider range of rare earth suppliers through President Emmanuel Macron’s Malaysia visit, scheduled for Nov 16 and 17, he said. The journey follows a Cambodian state visit and will be his first Malaysian trip since 2017.
Macron outlined the objective on X, explaining that rare earths are needed to manufacture magnets for some electric motors and electronic equipment. He said additional supply sources would make French factories less exposed to parts shortages that could interrupt production, while giving manufacturers more confidence to invest and produce domestically.
He linked the two visits to efforts to expand economic partnerships and protect French employment and industry. Stronger overseas relationships would also help France become more economically resilient and less reliant on a small pool of critical-material suppliers, he said.
For the Cambodian leg, Macron said business leaders would join him to seek market opportunities through existing commercial relationships and French-speaking connections. He also pointed to Cambodia’s interest in learning from Rungis International Market as it develops a wholesale facility. Rungis is the world’s largest wholesale market for fresh produce.
