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Chaerhan Salt Lake is the largest magnesium deposit bed in China. The country dominates global production of the industrial metal. 
Market Spotlight

Manufacturers rue dependence on China for supplies of magnesium

Auto companies and steelmakers reel from latest metals price spike

RURIKA IMAHASHI, Nikkei staff writer | China

TOKYO -- Global manufacturers are facing another headache in their supply chain after the price of magnesium spiked and highlighted their vulnerability to policy shocks in China, which accounts for 80% of the world's production.

The metal is an essential raw material for aluminum alloys, which are used in car parts such as gearboxes, steering columns and fuel tank covers. It is also widely used in steel production to help remove sulfur.

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