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China has announced export restrictions on seven rare earth minerals, effective immediately, in response to the recent tariffs by US President Trump. The restrictions include:
- Samarium
- Gadolinium
- Terbium
- Dysprosium
- Lutetium
- Scandium
- Yttrium
The restrictions will impact all countries, not just the US.

China dominates the rare earth market: it’s responsible for 70% of global production and nearly 90% of processing of global output, as well as 90% of rare earth element permanent magnet production.
The export restrictions are in addition to tariffs of 34% on all US goods from April 10. The move comes the day after US President Trump announced a combined total of 54% of imports from China.
“The purpose of the Chinese government’s implementation of export controls on relevant items in accordance with the law is to better safeguard national security and interests, and to fulfil international obligations such as non-proliferation”
— China Commerce Ministry
The ban comes only months after China banned exports of gallium, germanium and antimony to the US.