Malaysia Weighs Conditional Easing of Raw Rare Earth Export Ban

Malaysia is weighing a conditional easing of its ban on exports of unprocessed rare earth minerals as it seeks to attract foreign investment and secure technology transfer.

The possible policy shift comes as Western countries intensify efforts to diversify critical mineral supply chains after China tightened export controls on heavy rare earths in 2025.

Deputy Minister of Natural Resources and Environmental Sustainability Syed Ibrahim Syed Noh said pressure is building from both state governments and foreign investors to loosen the export restrictions, according to Bloomberg on Monday. He said countries including the U.S., Australia, France and India have shown strong interest in Malaysia’s rare earth resources.