Suzuki Motor Corporation has suspended production of its popular Swift subcompact car due to a shortage of critical components linked to China’s rare earth export restrictions, according to two sources familiar with the matter, Reuters reports. The move marks the first confirmed impact on a Japanese automaker from Beijing’s latest trade policy shift.The automaker had earlier announced a planned production stoppage for the Swift model—excluding the Swift Sport variant—from May 26 to June 6. However, it did not specify the reasons behind the parts shortage at the time. A company spokesperson declined to comment further, while Japanese business daily Nikkei first reported the link to China’s export curbs.
In a statement released Thursday, Suzuki said it would partially resume production of the Swift at its Sagara plant on June 13, with full operations expected to restart after June 16. The company noted that the “prospect of parts supply is clearer” now.
The disruption follows China’s April decision to tighten control over exports of rare earths and related magnet materials—critical components in the production of electric motors, electronics, and other high-tech devices. The move has reverberated across global supply chains, affecting industries ranging from automotive and aerospace to semiconductors and defense.
Several European auto parts manufacturers have also reported suspensions in output, while Mercedes-Benz is actively exploring measures to mitigate the risk of rare earth shortages.
Suzuki’s suspension highlights the growing vulnerability of global manufacturing sectors to geopolitical tensions and resource dependencies, as nations increasingly seek to secure critical supply chains amid strategic competition.
