China’s Restriction on Rare Earth Exports

China imposed fresh restrictions on the export of seven rare earth elements (REEs), escalating tensions amid a turbulent global trade environment. This move came shortly after the United States imposed new tariffs on key trade partners. Given China’s long-standing dominance in rare earth mining and refining — vital for manufacturing electronics, clean energy systems, and military technologies — these restrictions are expected to ripple across several global industries, highlighting the urgent need for countries to diversify their supply chains and reduce dependence on Chinese exports.

Key Points

REE List China Restricted

Export restrictions on seven key REEs,

• Samarium (Sm)
• Gadolinium (Gd)
• Terbium (Tb)
• Dysprosium (Dy)
• Lutetium (Lu)
• Scandium (Sc)
• Yttrium (Y)
• Justification: National security, international obligations, non-proliferation

What are Rare Earth Elements (REEs)?

• Definition: A group of 17 metallic elements known for their similar chemical properties and silver appearance.
• Names: Includes lanthanides + scandium and yttrium.
• Examples: Neodymium (Nd), Dysprosium (Dy), Samarium (Sm), Gadolinium (Gd), Yttrium (Y), Terbium (Tb), Lutetium (Lu), etc.
• Properties: High magnetic and optical properties, making them vital for:
• Magnets in electric vehicles & wind turbines
• Digital displays, defense systems, smartphones, lasers

Why Are They Important?

Critical for,

• Defense tech: jets, missiles, radar
• Green energy: EVs, solar panels, wind turbines
• Consumer electronics: smartphones, laptops
• Used in phosphors, luminescent materials, magnets, and battery alloys

China’s Role in Global REE Market

• Supplies 85-95% of global demand
• Expertise in refining & processing, not just mining
• Major deposits in Jiangxi, Guangdong, Hubei, Sichuan, Inner Mongolia
• Declared as “strategic minerals” since 1990s

Past actions

• 2010: Export ban during conflict with Japan
• 2022: Threatened export halt to USA during trade war

Global Impact & Repercussions

• Price Surge: Dysprosium price may rise from $230 to $300/kg
• Supply chain disruption
• Offshore wind turbines
• Electric vehicle production
• Aerospace and tech industry
• Countries with stocks may experience short-term relief
• Long-term dependency remains high