China's rare earth exports hit 4-month low: What's the reason?
What's the story
China's exports of rare earth products, key components in electric vehicles (EVs), weapons, and high-tech manufacturing, have declined. The shipments fell to 6,173 tons in October, the lowest since June this year. The decline comes as China and the United States continue to negotiate trade terms under a truce agreed upon by Presidents Xi Jinping and Donald Trump in late October.
Ongoing discussions
Trade truce negotiations and export controls
The US and China have given their negotiators until the end of November to finalize supply terms for rare earths destined for the US. This comes after China imposed export controls on several rare earths on April 4, causing months of supply disruptions and putting global industries at risk of production halts. Under the trade truce, Beijing agreed to a one-year suspension of stricter rare-earth restrictions and promised "general licenses" for materials already under export controls.
Export statistics
China's rare earth export figures
The Chinese export figures released today cover products shipped globally, without specifying the numbers by region or product type. More detailed information is expected in another batch of data due on Thursday. Despite a sharp decline in flows with the introduction of the export regime, volumes have since picked up significantly. In total for the first 10 months of 2025, product exports reached 53,289 tons, only about 4% lower year-on-year.