New Delhi: Suzuki Motor Corporation has temporarily suspended production of its Swift subcompact car, excluding the Swift Sport model, due to a shortage of components linked to China's recent restrictions on rare earth exports. This marks the first instance of a Japanese automaker being affected by China's export curbs.

The production halt, which began on May 26, is scheduled to last through June 6. Suzuki plans to partially resume production at its Sagara plant on June 13, with full production expected to restart after June 16, as the supply of parts becomes more reliable. The company did not officially confirm the cause of the suspension, but sources familiar with the matter identified China's rare earth export restrictions as the catalyst.

China's decision in April to suspend exports of a wide range of rare earths and related magnets has disrupted global supply chains, impacting industries from automotive to aerospace and semiconductors. The restrictions have particularly affected European auto parts manufacturers, with some plants halting operations and companies like Mercedes-Benz exploring solutions to safeguard against rare earth shortages.

Suzuki's production suspension highlights the growing impact of China's rare earth export controls on the global automotive industry. As the world's dominant supplier of rare earths, China's policies continue to influence manufacturing operations and supply chains worldwide.