China tightens controls on rare earth minerals - Restricts exports to defense and semiconductor sectors
China has tightened controls on the export of rare earth minerals, expanding restrictions on processing technology. Beijing aims to limit exports to foreign users in the defense and semiconductor sectors.
The Commerce Department's announcement comes after several U.S. lawmakers called for a ban on more exports of chip-making equipment to China. The measures expand on sweeping controls announced by Beijing in April that caused major shortages in global markets before deals with Europe and the United States eased the supply crunch.
These restrictions are a powerful negotiating weapon for China in trade talks with the United States, and their tightening comes just weeks before a face-to-face meeting between Presidents Donald Trump and Xi Jinping in South Korea. “From a geostrategic perspective, this gives Beijing more leverage ahead of the summit scheduled for later this month,” analysts explain.
China produces over 90% of the world's processed rare earth minerals and rare earth magnets. The 17 elements of rare earth minerals are essential materials for products ranging from electric vehicles to aircraft engines and military radars.
The Ministry of Commerce also clarified that China is expanding its controls to include foreign companies that use Chinese equipment or materials of these minerals, following a similar approach to US restrictions on semiconductor exports.
The new rules, which have international implications, will come into force on December 1, with the rest of the measures being implemented immediately. They also apply to advanced chips used in a wide range of products, from smartphones to artificial intelligence supplies.
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