Can Vietnam Help the EU Break Its Dependence on China for Critical Minerals?

Can Vietnam Help the EU Break Its Dependence on China for Critical Minerals?

The European Union is seeking closer cooperation with Vietnam to secure supplies of critical minerals and reduce its dependence on China, according to internal EU documents reviewed by Reuters, as growing geopolitical tensions expose vulnerabilities in Europe’s industrial and defence supply chains. Documents prepared by the EU delegation in Hanoi in June 2026 recommend financial […]

️ — The EU is seeking closer ties with Vietnam to secure critical minerals and reduce its dependence on China, according to internal EU documents

Vietnam has large reserves of tungsten, rare earths and other minerals essential for defense industries.Europe wants to diversify its supplies as it rearms, particularly after Chinese export restrictions disrupted European supply chains last year.—...

EU Weighs Vietnam Ties to Diversify Critical-Mineral Supply

A June 2026 document identified Vietnam as a potential supplier, citing its rare earth and tungsten reserves. Vietnamese exports to Europe have largely included tungsten and antimony.

EU Seeks Vietnam’s Critical Minerals to Reduce Dependence on China Amid Supply Chain Risks

The European Union is seeking to expand access to Vietnam’s critical mineral reserves as Brussels moves to reduce its dependence on China for materials essential to defense manufacturing, advanced technology and the energy transition, according to internal EU documents reviewed by Reuters. The documents, dated June 2026, recommend financial and technical support for Vietnam’s mining […]