Define the exposure you mean
The term can refer to physical processing, ownership, a trading counterparty, logistics or a policy constraint. State which dimension matters to the decision. A supplier incorporated elsewhere can still have a relevant upstream route through China; a national market statistic cannot identify that supplier's specific allocation.
USGS statistics provide country-level mineral context. That context should not be silently converted into a percentage of a buyer's own orders or bill of materials.
Create a stage-by-stage evidence record
For the product in scope, record the known extraction, separation, conversion and manufacturing sites. Add ownership as a distinct field. Mark each stage as documented, supplier-reported or unresolved, with its source and date. A claim of 'China-free' supply needs a defined boundary and adequate evidence across that boundary.
Keep aggregate and customer-specific conclusions separate. You may establish that a sector is concentrated without establishing that a particular order uses the dominant route. Conversely, one documented alternative does not establish enough qualified volume to meet the buyer's entire requirement.
Illustrative exposure statement
A European factory discloses no upstream oxide source. The correct finding is that manufacturing location is known and upstream exposure is unresolved. Describing the product as independent because the factory is European would overstate the evidence. Describing it as definitively exposed to China would also need support.
Use precise exposure labels
| Dimension | Research field |
|---|---|
| Physical | Producing and processing sites |
| Corporate | Disclosed ownership and control |
| Customer-specific | Validated link to the buyer's product or order |
Your review checklist
- Define the product and exposure boundary.
- Trace relevant stages rather than seller addresses.
- Retain unresolved origins explicitly.
- Validate links to your own purchases separately.
Investigate with Oreline
Oreline helps examine the covered facilities, jurisdictions and disclosed relationships behind an exposure question. Use the network as an evidence-led research base, then validate the connection to your own product with supplier information.
Follow the evidence through the supply chain.
Explore Oreline’s guided investigations. No account required.
Explore the sandbox →Frequently asked questions
Can a global share be used as our company's exposure?
No. A company-specific estimate needs evidence connecting the relevant route to its purchases and quantities.
Does unknown origin mean Chinese origin?
No. Unknown is a research gap, not a country assignment. Seek the evidence required for the actual sourcing claim.