Business

China Rare-Earth Exports Rise Globally but Plunge to US
By Reuters | 20 Mar, 2026

An 8.2% global rise during the first two months of 2026 contrasted with a 22.5% plunge in exports to the US.

Chinese exports of rare-earth magnets rose 8.2% from a year earlier in the first two months of 2026, customs data showed on Friday, although shipments to the U.S. dipped.

Exports from the world's largest producer of rare-earth magnets, which are used in everything from cellphones to automobiles to the defense sector, stood at 10,763 metric tons between January and February, data from the General Administration of Customs showed.

Germany, South Korea, the U.S., Vietnam and France were China's top five rare-earth magnet export destinations between January and February.

Exports to the U.S. slid 22.5% from a year earlier to 994 tons in January and February, although month-to-month data can be volatile.

The White House on Wednesday confirmed that U.S. President Donald Trump's upcoming trip to China to meet with President Xi Jinping had been delayed. It was later revealed that the trip would be postponed by about a month and a half.

Exports to Japan rose by 9.5% to 444 tons during the same period despite China blocking exports to some military an dindustrial companies.

China placed several rare earths and associated magnets on an export control list in April.

Exports of many types have risen steadily since then, although niche elements like yttrium, used in defense and aerospace, remain tightly controlled .

China exported 20 tons of yttrium oxide and other yttrium compounds in February, the largest monthly volume since controls were imposed in April, although they were still below 2024 levels. 

(Reporting by Amy Lv and Lewis Jackson; Editing by Jamie Freed)