China’s exports of rare earth products fell in December compared to the previous month, amid growing tensions between Beijing and Japan that could lead to tighter shipment controls.
Exports of these materials—which are essential for electric vehicles, weapons systems, and advanced manufacturing—totaled 6,745 tons in December, down from 6,958 tons in November, according to customs data released Sunday. Most of these exports consist of rare earth magnets, which have given China significant leverage in various trade disputes affecting global markets.
Rare earths have become a focal point in international trade relations, with the United States and other countries trying to reduce China’s control over their extraction and processing. While Beijing and Washington reached a trade truce in October, shifting attention away from the United States, focus has now turned to Japan after China’s Ministry of Commerce announced new restrictions on shipments to Japan, especially those with possible military uses. This followed comments made last year by Japan’s prime minister regarding Taiwan.
According to the China Daily, Beijing is also considering tougher oversight of licenses for exporting these minerals to Japan. The export data disclosed on Sunday covers all destinations and does not provide specific breakdowns by country or product type. More detailed figures are expected to be released on Tuesday.
