China’s rare earth exports plunged 31% in September from the previous month to their lowest level since February, according to customs data released Monday, as tightened export controls reignited tensions with Washington.
The General Administration of Customs said shipments totalled 4,000.3 tonnes, down sharply from August. China, the world’s dominant producer and exporter of rare earths, introduced new restrictions last week that have raised concerns over a renewed escalation in the US/China trade conflict.
Rare earths, a group of 17 critical minerals used in everything from electric vehicles to military systems, were reported only in aggregate, leaving unclear which specific materials or destinations were most affected. A detailed breakdown is expected on October 20.
Exports had already dropped in April after Beijing’s earlier restrictions responding to US tariffs, then rebounded to a record high in June before falling steadily through the third quarter. The latest clampdown prompted US President Donald Trump to threaten fresh 100% tariffs on Chinese goods, straining a fragile trade truce.
