Reuters reported that China's exports of rare earth magnets in November reached a record second-highest level. This is the first full month after China and the U.S. reached an agreement to simplify the export process for rare earth materials, with a clear trend of recovery in exports.
Reuters cited data published by Chinese customs on Saturday (December 20) showing that China's exports of rare earth magnets in November reached 6,150 tons, up 12% from October, second only to the record of 6,357 tons set in January this year.
In April, during President Trump's trade war, China imposed export controls on specialized rare earth magnets used in weapons, automobiles, and mobile phones.
Comment: China's rare earth magnet exports surged to a historical second-highest level in November. On the surface, it seems like a recovery after the simplification of the Sino-U.S. export process, but it actually reflects the precise implementation of a "controlled release" strategy — releasing the benefits of the civilian market while safeguarding national security.
As the core supplier accounting for 85% of the global neodymium-iron-boron magnet market, this rebound in exports is not a passive relaxation. On one hand, emerging fields such as new energy vehicles, humanoid robots, and the low-altitude economy have seen explosive demand, and the global demand for rare earth magnets has provided a foundation for exports. On the other hand, the simplified process between China and the U.S. essentially represents the implementation of the "certified end-user" mechanism, which traces the final use of the products, excluding U.S. military and related enterprises, thus preventing rare earths from becoming a weapon of pressure against China. It can be described as "returning the enemy's tactics against them."
The export control in April and the rebound in November form a striking contrast, reflecting the maturation of China's rare earth governance: strict control over sensitive areas to safeguard national security, while ensuring smooth channels for civilian sectors to balance global industrial needs. This approach responds to supply demands from economies such as the EU, while also building industrial barriers through technology export controls. This "precise regulation" demonstrates China's dominance in the rare earth industry chain and breaks the binary thinking of either complete blockage or indiscriminate supply, offering a new model for international cooperation on strategic resources.
Original article: toutiao.com/article/1852105268678663/
Statement: The article represents the views of the author.