China outlined new curbs on exports of rare earths and related technologies on Thursday (October 9, 2025), extending controls over the use of the elements critical for many products ahead of a meeting later in October between President Donald Trump and Chinese leader Xi Jinping.
The regulations announced by the Ministry of Commerce require foreign companies to get special approval to export items that contain even small traces of rare earths elements sourced from China. Beijing also will impose permitting requirements on exports of technologies related to rare earths mining, smelting, recycling and magnet-making, it said.
China accounts for nearly 70% of the world's rare earths mining. It also controls roughly 90% of global rare earths processing. Access to such materials is a key point of contention in trade talks between Washington and Beijing.
Trump signs order to extend China tariff truce by 90 days
As Mr. Trump has raised tariffs on imports of many products from China, Beijing has doubled down on controls on the strategically vital minerals, raising concerns over potential shortages for manufacturers in the U.S. and elsewhere. It was not immediately clear how China plans to enforce the new policies overseas.
