Automakers are having to find ways to work around the cutback, such as using older technology that is more costly and less efficient, moving some parts manufacture to China, removing certain special features that need magnets such as adjustable seats and high-end speaker systems,

By Naw Betty Han, Shoon Naing, Devjyot Ghoshal, Eleanor Whalley and Napat Wesshasartar BANGKOK (Reuters) -A Chinese-backed militia is protecting new rare earth mines in eastern Myanmar, according to four people familiar with the matter,

Rare earths, particularly the small but powerful magnets made from them, are essential to countless high-tech applications. These include EVs, smartphones, wind turbines, and military equipment