China's rare-earth exports to US drop 80% in May

Japan also hit by falling shipments of vital industrial materials

20250620N China rare earths 2

China's Commerce Ministry says it has already approved a certain number of compliant applications for rare-earth exports. © Reuters

KENTARO SHIOZAKI and SHUNSUKE TABETA

BEIJING -- China's rare-earth exports to the U.S. plummeted 80% on the year in May while shipments to Japan fell 54%, the latest sign that Beijing's trade controls are rattling global supply chains.

The May data, denominated in U.S. dollars and released by China's General Administration of Customs on Friday, covers exports to major countries and regions of the seven rare earths subject to Chinese export controls as well as some others.

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