The Ministry of Commerce emphasized that the export of rare earth elements extraction, smelting, separation, production of magnetic materials, and recycling technologies is now subject to control.
The statement highlighted that the transfer of technologies related to assembly lines, maintenance, repair, troubleshooting, and upgrading in facilities processing rare earth elements is also included under supervision. Foreign companies exporting rare earth elements from China are required to obtain a license from the Ministry of Commerce for products with dual civilian and military use. The restrictions took effect on the date of announcement, while for overseas manufacturers using products and technologies imported from China, the restrictions will apply from 1 December.
The ministry stated that the measure is necessary for national security, as rare earth elements have both military and civilian applications, making export control essential. It was claimed that some foreign organizations and individuals used rare earth elements obtained from China in sensitive areas such as military operations, harming China’s national security.
The move drew attention as it comes amid ongoing tariff negotiations between the US and China, with the leaders of both countries preparing for a face-to-face meeting at the APEC Summit. China previously imposed export restrictions on rare earth elements in response to US restrictions in the technology and chip sectors.
According to the US Geological Survey (USGS), of the 390 thousand tons of rare earth elements produced globally in 2024, 270 thousand tons were produced in China. China supplies approximately 69 percent of 17 groups of rare earth elements. Experts emphasized that Beijing aims to turn its global market dominance into an economic advantage through export controls.
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