Serbia’s President Aleksandar Vučić told reporters on June 29 that President Xi Jinping has pledged to fast-track permits for shipments of rare earths and other critical minerals to support Stellantis’s electric-vehicle plant in Kragujevac.

Xi’s Pledge to Speed Permits

Vučić said Xi personally “asked relevant institutions in China to maintain close communications with the Serbian side and to complete the permission procedures at an accelerated pace,” presenting what he described as a letter from the Chinese leader.

Serbia Advocates for Stellantis

The intervention came after Stellantis NV, which makes the Fiat Grande Panda and Citroën C3 models in Serbia, reported difficulties sourcing key materials “at normal prices.” Vučić emphasised Serbia’s leverage through its “strong ties with China” in securing the commitment.

China’s Export Controls Context

China has tightened export controls on certain rare earths and industrial materials amid global supply-chain strains. In his letter, Xi reassured that any restrictions “aren’t directed at friendly nations such as Serbia,” though he did not specify whether supplies would be limited to the Kragujevac plant.