Japanese trading house Sojitz Corp. is expanding its rare earths sourcing strategy beyond Australia, targeting Southeast Asian markets to diversify supply chains of these critical materials. The company aims to strengthen its position in the global rare earths market as geopolitical tensions continue to impact traditional supply routes.

Makoto Shibuya, Sojitz's Chief Financial Officer, confirmed this week that areas connected to southern China including Laos, Cambodia, and Vietnam represent priority regions for exploration. The company actively seeks new sources of these strategically important elements essential for technology and defense industries globally.

Sojitz maintains flexibility in its search strategy, with India and other countries also under consideration if viable investment opportunities emerge. This move reflects Japan's broader effort to secure stable access to critical minerals amid growing competition for limited global supplies of these essential materials.