China tightens export controls on rare earth minerals once again | TechCrunch

"The country's Commerce Ministry said on Thursday that it has added five rare earth elements to its export control list, taking the total to 12, in order to "safeguard national security." The ministry introduced an export license that foreign producers will have to apply for if they plan to export products that use even slight amounts of Chinese-origin rare earth minerals, or technology from the country to mine them."

"The ministry said defense organizations would not be granted export licenses, while those intending to use rare earth minerals for making semiconductors will be given licenses based on individual review. Exports intended for humanitarian aid, such as public health emergencies and disaster relief, will be exempt from the license requirements. As the world's largest producer of rare earth minerals, China has leveraged its position extensively to negotiate with other countries."

China added five rare earth elements to its export control list, raising the total to 12 and citing national security. The Commerce Ministry implemented an export license that foreign producers must obtain to export products containing even small amounts of Chinese-origin rare earths or technology used to mine them. Defense organizations will be denied licenses, while semiconductor-related uses will receive case-by-case reviews. Humanitarian exports for public health emergencies and disaster relief are exempt. China, as the world's largest rare earths producer, has used its supply position in negotiations, particularly with the U.S., amid reciprocal restrictions and past retaliatory listings that caused global shortages.

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