China has announced new restrictions on the export of rare earth materials, this according to a statement from the Chinese Ministry of Commerce released on October 9. The measures, which especially curb military and semiconductor exports, are intended to demonstrate China’s ability to set the terms in the sector.
Indeed, the move comes ahead of the meeting between Chinese President Xi Jinping and US President Donald Trump at the end of October in South Korea, where rare earths are expected to be on the agenda.
The new rules, which strengthen a series of April 2025 limitations, add five more elements to the list of restricted materials, bringing the total to 12 out of 17.
Exports for military uses in principle will not be approved, and foreign entities that export rare earth materials from China will require a special permit. Semiconductor-related exports, crucial in the race for AI supremacy, will be granted on a case-by-case basis. New restrictions will also be imposed on the export of technologies needed for mining and recycling such materials.
These new curbs are expected to have a major global impact, as China currently produces 70% of the world’s rare earth materials and processes 90% of them.
These materials are essential for a wide range of industries and advanced technologies, making them a highly valuable asset.In this gallery, we take a closer look at rare earth minerals and explore their real-world applications across various fields. Click on to learn more.