China Announces New Export Controls on Rare Earths and Related Technologies Ahead of Trump–Xi Meeting
China has announced new restrictions on exports of rare earths and related technologies, expanding its control over the vital materials used in a wide range of high-tech and defense products.
The Ministry of Commerce said on Thursday that foreign companies will now require special approval to export items containing even small amounts of rare earth elements sourced from China. The new rules also impose permit requirements for exporting technologies linked to rare earth mining, smelting, recycling, and magnet production.
China dominates the global supply chain for these critical minerals, accounting for about 70% of rare earth mining and nearly 90% of global processing. These elements are essential for producing jet engines, radar systems, electric vehicles, smartphones, and laptops.
The ministry said the measures are designed to “safeguard national security” and prevent the use of Chinese rare earth materials or technologies in military or other sensitive applications. Officials accused unnamed “overseas entities and individuals” of misusing Chinese-sourced materials in ways that have caused “significant damage” to the country’s security.
The move comes weeks before a planned meeting between U.S. President Donald Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping later this month on the sidelines of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) summit in South Korea. Analysts say the new restrictions could become a major point of contention in the upcoming talks.
“Rare earths will remain a key part of the negotiations between Washington and Beijing,” said George Chen, a partner at The Asia Group. “Both sides want stability, but we can expect more tensions before a final deal is reached.”
The announcement follows China’s April decision to restrict exports of seven rare earth elements in response to U.S. tariff increases. Although Beijing later eased some limits in June, Thursday’s announcement signals a effort to strengthen control over the strategically vital sector.
