(Reuters) -Shares of Australia's Lynas Rare Earths climbed on Thursday to their highest point in more than two years, after global automakers warned that China's export restrictions on rare-earth materials could lead to production delays.

The automotive industry faces a critical challenge as China's rare-earth export curbs threaten to disrupt global car production. Executives from leading car manufacturers have raised alarms about the potential shortage of rare-earth magnets,

A group representing auto suppliers in the United States called on Wednesday for immediate action to address China's restricted exports of rare earths and other minerals, warning the issue could quickly disrupt auto parts production.