The paradox of waste geography? Dynamic evolution and quality evaluation of the global rare earth recycling trade network

Abstract

Recycling trade has become an important initiative for major powers to address rare earth supply risks. With the help of recycling quality evaluation model, competitive intensity model, complex network method, and GIS analysis, the dynamics and characteristics of the global rare earth recycling trade network are revealed in this study. The results show that the global rare earth recycling market is closely related to the development of the product trade market and shows repeated fluctuations. China was the largest importer, while the U.S. was the most important bridge and replaced the Philippines as the largest exporter. Rare earth recycling is a classic paradox of waste geography, developed countries in general have replaced developing countries as the main buyers and are at the core of the network, forming a juxtaposition of two major associations, East and West. In terms of spatial dynamics, the global rare earth recycling trade network has gradually formed a polycentric system with Europe, America (the U.S., Brazil) and East Asia (China, the Philippines, and Japan). Global competition for rare earth recycling has also gradually shifted from intra-Asia to Europe and the America, but China's recycling quality is higher than other major powers.