【Text by Observer Net, Liu Bai】Foreign media have been closely watching China's export controls on rare earths. On July 20, Reuters reported that China's exports of rare earth magnets to the United States in June surged more than seven times compared to May. This marks a strong recovery in the supply of key minerals needed for electric vehicles and wind turbines following the trade agreement between China and the United States.

The report cited data released by the General Administration of Customs of China on July 20, stating that as the world's largest producer of rare earth magnets, China's exports of rare earth magnets to the United States in June soared to 353 tons, a 660% increase from May.

In general, China exported 3,188 tons of rare earth magnets to the world in June, up 157.5% from 1,238 tons in May, but still declined by 38.1% compared to the same period in 2024.

Shanghai, May 10, 2023, China Brand Day, the rare earth products displayed by Northern Rare Earth. Visual China

Analysts pointed out that with more exporters obtaining licenses in June, the export volume of rare earth magnets is expected to rise further in July.

The report also said that China accounts for more than 90% of the global supply of rare earth magnets and decided in early April to add several rare earth products to the export control list in response to U.S. tariff measures.

Due to the long approval cycle for export licenses, the export volume dropped significantly in April and May, disrupting the global supply chain and forcing some automakers to suspend part of their production due to rare earth shortages.

In the first half of 2025, China's total exports of rare earth magnets amounted to 22,319 tons, a 18.9% decrease compared to the previous year.

Zhang Wenbin, spokesperson for the Ministry of Commerce of China, stated on June 7 that rare earth-related items have dual-use properties for both civil and military purposes, and implementing export controls on them conforms to international practices. China lawfully implements export controls on rare earth-related items, aiming to better safeguard national security and interests, fulfill international obligations such as non-proliferation, and demonstrates its consistent position of upholding world peace and regional stability.

"We also note that with the development of industries such as robotics and new energy vehicles, the demand for medium and heavy rare earths in the civilian sector in various countries is continuously increasing. As a responsible major country, China fully considers the reasonable demands and concerns of various countries in the civilian sector, and reviews applications for export licenses of rare earth-related items in accordance with laws and regulations. It has already approved a certain number of compliant applications and will continue to strengthen the approval process for compliant applications. China is willing to further enhance communication and dialogue on export controls with relevant countries to promote convenient and compliant trade," the spokesperson said.

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