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Continued restrictions lead to a 51% drop in rare earth exports to Japan in the first half of the year.​

04:10 2026/08/11 Want Daily
Guo Yulun

According to data from China's General Administration of Customs, from January to June this year, China's exports of seven controlled rare earth minerals to Japan fell by 51% compared to the same period last year, exports to the United States fell by 28%, and global exports fell by 16%. The building pictured is part of China Northern Rare Earth Group. (Reuters)



China's rare earth exports to Japan remain sluggish. According to Japanese media reports, China's rare earth exports to Japan plummeted by more than 50% in the first half of this year. In June alone, rare earth exports to Japan fell by 81% compared to the same period last year, with some rare earth minerals even seeing zero exports. However, sources indicate that China sometimes still issues export licenses to avoid completely cutting off rare earth supplies to Japan, while also prompting the Japanese business community to urge their government to pay more attention to relations with China.




According to reports from Guancha.cn and Nikkei on the 8th, an analysis of trade data from the General Administration of Customs of China shows that from January to June this year, China's exports of seven types of controlled rare earth minerals to Japan decreased by 51% compared to the same period last year, exports to the United States decreased by 28%, and global exports decreased by 16%.


Looking at the monthly data, the decline in exports to Japan is particularly pronounced. In June, mainland China's rare earth exports to Japan plummeted by 81% compared to the same period last year, marking the fourth consecutive month of decline since March. Among these, dysprosium and tertium, used in electric vehicle motors, have seen zero exports to Japan this year. Yttrium exports also fell to zero in June; yttrium plays an irreplaceable role in high-tech fields such as heat-resistant aircraft engine coatings, semiconductor manufacturing machinery, and cancer treatment equipment.


In April 2025, China's Ministry of Commerce introduced an export licensing system to regulate the export of seven rare earth elements, including samarium, thorium, tektium, dysprosium, and yttrium. In January of this year, China further tightened export controls on dual-use items to Japan. The report states that the relevant data reflects the effectiveness of China's policy of export controls on strategic resources such as rare earths.


Sources revealed that when it was learned that supply disruptions could lead to the shutdown of Japanese auto factories using these materials, the Chinese authorities would sometimes issue licenses. Mainland authorities adopted a cautious approach, ensuring that Japanese companies would not completely cut off their rare earth purchases from the mainland, while also prompting the Japanese business community to urge their government to place greater emphasis on relations with China.


Japanese companies are currently seeking alternative procurement channels to mainland China. Australia is the world's third-largest producer of rare earth elements, while India ranks sixth. JX Metals has already invested in a mineral resource project in Australia. Proterial is considering building a factory to produce rare earth-free neodymium magnets. Furthermore, recycling is also under consideration; Mitsubishi Materials previously decided to invest in a US company with recycling technology.

管制持續 陸對日稀土上半年出口跌51％ - 兩岸新聞

大陸對日稀土出口持續低迷，據日媒報導，大陸今年上半年對日稀土出口大跌逾5成。單計6月，對日稀土出口較去年同期大跌81％，部分稀土礦物更錄得零出口。但消息人士指出，陸方有時仍會發放出口許可，避免完全切斷對日

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