China's rare earth exports drop alarmingly, what's going on?

(Dan Tri) - China's rare earth exports to the US in May decreased by 80% compared to the same period last year. Will the global supply chain be disrupted?

According to data released by the General Administration of Customs of China on June 20, China's rare earth exports to the US in May fell by 80% compared to the same period last year.

Chinese exports to Japan also fell by 54%, experts say, the latest sign that Beijing’s trade controls are shaking up global supply chains.

Although exports to the US recovered in April, the situation was no better in May. China's total rare earth exports in May fell 48% compared to the same period last year. Beijing had previously imposed export restrictions on seven rare earth elements in retaliation for reciprocal tariffs from the Trump administration.

Exports of rare earth magnets from China to the United States have fallen by as much as 93%, according to Chinese Ministry of Commerce data compiled by FerroAlloyNet. Total magnet exports have also fallen by 74%.

In May, the US and China reached an agreement to cut tariffs and remove some non-tariff barriers during ministerial talks in Switzerland. However, after the deal was announced, the US expressed disappointment that progress on rare earth exports from China continued to stagnate.

China dominates rare earths (Photo: AFP).

China’s rare earth exports to Japan continued to decline in May, with a clear impact on many businesses. Suzuki Motor, for example, had to temporarily suspend production of its Swift model due to a shortage of rare earth components. China currently accounts for about 70% of global rare earth production, a metal essential for electric vehicles and many modern technologies.

The Japanese Chamber of Commerce and Industry in China has called on Beijing to ensure the approval process for rare earth exports is carried out fairly and promptly.

In contrast to Japan, China’s exports of seven rare earths to Thailand and South Korea increased in May, continuing the previous month’s increase, suggesting that some countries are acting as transit points for other markets.

During recent talks in London, US and Chinese negotiators agreed to develop a framework to implement the agreement reached in Switzerland. Beijing is expected to ease export controls on rare earths, while Washington is also likely to ease restrictions on semiconductor exports.

However, the specific terms of the London agreement will only come into effect after being formally approved by US President Donald Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping. To date, no details have been released.

China has maintained that its export licensing process is still proceeding in accordance with current procedures. Chinese Ministry of Commerce spokesman He Yadong said the country has approved some export applications that meet the standards and will continue to increase approvals for qualified cases.

In May, exports of consumer goods from China to the US continued to fall sharply. Specifically, smartphones fell 76%, fireworks fell 75%, and irons fell 56% compared to the same period last year. All of these declines were faster than the decline in April.

Total exports from China to the US in May fell 35% year-on-year, a sharper decline than the 21% drop in April.

Source: https://dantri.com.vn/kinh-doanh/xuat-khau-dat-hiem-cua-trung-quoc-giam-bao-dong-dieu-gi-dang-xay-ra-20250621144108660.htm