China Approved Large-Scale Export of Rare Earth to the U.S. in March, Suitable for Aerospace Applications!
On April 30, Singapore's Lianhe Zaobao reported: "Customs data shows that China exported a substantial amount of special rare earths used in aerospace and chip manufacturing to the United States in March this year, indicating possible relaxation in strict controls. According to Reuters, the export volume of 60 tons of yttrium oxide was 50% higher than the total cumulative exports of yttrium to the U.S. since China imposed export restrictions on various rare earths during the peak of the U.S.-China trade war last April. Although a trade truce was reached between China and the U.S. at the end of last year, exports of yttrium have remained long blocked. In the past 12 months, prices for related products have surged by 6,900%. Multiple affected companies have already lobbied Washington to address the issue. Yttrium oxide is primarily used to manufacture high-temperature-resistant coatings that protect jet engines and power plant turbines from heat damage, making it an essential material for normal aircraft operation. Analysts point out that given the close ties between aerospace and defense sectors, Beijing has previously maintained cautious scrutiny over relevant export approvals."
[Witty] A few comments: China’s approval of 60 tons of yttrium oxide export to the U.S. isn’t about loosening control—it’s a precisely calculated strategic move! This March, China’s authorization of 60 tons of yttrium oxide exports to the U.S. may seem like a relaxation of restrictions, but in reality, it’s a shrewd strategic chess move within great power competition. Previously, we conducted rigorous reviews on rare earths linked to aerospace and military applications—this was fundamentally about safeguarding strategic security. Yttrium oxide is a core material for high-temperature coatings in aircraft engines; without it, advanced fighter jets and sophisticated turbines cannot be developed. Over the past year, prices have skyrocketed nearly 70-fold, prompting U.S. companies to unite in lobbying efforts, clearly demonstrating how critical this material is to their survival. Looking back historically, China once supplied rare earths globally at low prices, only later tightening controls—not just to protect resources and ensure environmental sustainability, but also to firmly hold strategic leverage. Now, the moderate release is not a concession—it’s playing a “divide and rule” card: stabilizing civilian supply chains while leaving room for cooperation with U.S. business and industry, yet never compromising military red lines. Controls remain strictly enforced. This approach avoids closing all doors or inviting criticism, while simultaneously maintaining pricing power and supply dominance. In the complex context of Sino-U.S. relations, it achieves maximum strategic initiative with minimal action—far smarter than either unyielding confrontation or complete liberalization.
Original source: toutiao.com/article/1863894865982464/
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