Critical Minerals and Energy Intelligence

China tightens rare earth export controls

China expands export controls over rare earth processing technologies and related materials
Beijing’s move ahead of meeting between Xi and Trump expected this month
G7 nations are discussing “price floors” to disincentivize Chinese dumping

China has expanded its export controls to ban rare earth processing technologies and related materials, now requiring foreign companies to get approval to export magnets that contain even trace amounts of China-sourced rare earths.

Beijing’s latest restrictions cover produced chemicals and tech related to rare earth magnets, including materials that were produced using the country’s extraction methods, refining or magnet-making technology, not just raw minerals.

The new ban comes ahead of an expected meeting between President Trump and Xi at APEC later in the month.

This is the latest restrictions in escalation follow a similar pattern: in 2022–23, China cut exports of processed rare earths, and other metals such as tungsten and antimony, causing supply crunches downstream. The two main drivers are:

China can now leverage its dominance more directly, gaining political leverage in trade war negotiations
export curbs provide domestic firms preferential access to raw materials and margin shields

Chinas rare earth product exports since recent restrictions - The Oregon Group - Critical Minerals and Energy Intelligence

China accounts for approx 90% of processed global rare earth supply. The minerals have an array of applications that make them vital to high-tech industries including semiconductors and autos, as well as the military.

In September 2025, sources told Reuters that G7 finance ministers are weighing price floors on rare earth metal and oxide sales to deter Chinese dumping. The move underscores how seriously Western capitals now view China’s dominance of rare earths — sometimes likened to the new “oil weapon.”

In July 2025, the US Department of Defense is investing US$400 million to become the largest shareholder in MP Materials to support domestic rare earth mining and processing

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