CHINA

China Expands Rare Earth Export Controls, Tightening Grip on Global Supply Chain

Published: Oct. 10, 2025 1:27 a.m. GMT+8

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China accounted for roughly 70% of global rare earth production in 2024 and controls nearly half the world’s known reserves.

China unveiled sweeping new export restrictions on rare earths and related technologies Thursday, tightening its grip on one of the world’s most strategic resources and stepping up oversight of how Chinese-origin materials are used abroad. The move marks Beijing’s latest effort to link its dominance in the rare earth sector to national security amid intensifying competition with the United States and its allies.

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China announced strict export controls on rare earths and related technologies, requiring licenses for overseas sales, effective December 1, 2025.
The rules aim to prevent military use abroad, with automatic denials for defense-related exports and exemptions for humanitarian shipments.
China produces about 70% of global rare earths; the policy may raise global prices and shift technology cooperation to state-level agreements.

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What Happened When

Earlier this year, in 2025：: Beijing imposed export licensing on seven mid- and heavy-rare earth elements, including dysprosium, terbium, and yttrium.

October 2025：: In a parallel announcement, the Ministry of Commerce introduced export restrictions on rare earth–related technologies.

October 2025：: A U.S. congressional panel urged the Trump administration and allied governments to close loopholes allowing Chinese chipmakers to access critical manufacturing tools.