-
17:10
-
16:35
-
16:20
-
16:00
-
15:40
-
15:35
-
15:20
-
15:00
-
14:40
Follow us on Facebook
China to tighten control over rare earth technology exports
China announced on Thursday new export controls on technologies related to rare earth extraction and processing, effective immediately. The move strengthens Beijing’s grip on a strategic sector that lies at the heart of its trade tensions with the United States and the European Union.
According to the Ministry of Commerce, companies must now obtain prior government authorization to export technologies used in assembling, maintaining, and upgrading production lines. Exports intended for foreign military clients will be systematically denied, reflecting China’s concern over national security risks.
“Certain foreign organizations have transferred or supplied controlled rare earth products and technologies of Chinese origin for military use,” said a ministry spokesperson, adding that such actions “pose a potential threat to national security.”
China dominates global rare earth production, accounting for more than one-third of known reserves and controlling most of the refining capacity. This dominance has left international industries—from semiconductors and clean energy to defense manufacturing—heavily dependent on Chinese supply chains.
In 2024, the US Geological Survey estimated global reserves at 110 million tonnes, with 44 million tonnes in China. Efforts by Western nations to diversify their sources remain limited due to China’s technological edge and extensive patent portfolio.
The new restrictions have also raised concerns in Europe, where manufacturers already face shortages and delays. Despite discussions between Brussels and Beijing to establish an “improved export mechanism,” European firms continue to report difficulties accessing Chinese-produced rare earths.