09.10.202503:06:31UTC+00China Strengthens Rare Earth Export Rules for Tech, Military Uses

China has further tightened its export controls on rare earth elements, as announced on Thursday. The latest measures expand existing restrictions to cover processing technologies, unauthorized international collaborations, and exports to the defense and semiconductor sectors. According to the Ministry of Commerce, these reforms refine and extend the sweeping controls first introduced in April, which had previously caused global shortages. Subsequent agreements with Europe and the United States allowed shipments to continue. China accounts for approximately 60% of the world's mined rare earths and 90% of processed outputs and permanent magnets. These are crucial components in the production of electric vehicles, aircraft engines, and military radar systems. The expanded restrictions now include a broader range of rare earth magnets, and exporting equipment utilized for recycling rare earths will necessitate a license. The new regulations are effective immediately.