China’s rare earth exports climbed to their highest level in at least a decade last year, even as Beijing imposed new restrictions on several medium and heavy elements starting in April.
According to data released Wednesday by the General Administration of Customs, China—the world’s leading producer of rare earths—exported 62,585 metric tons of these 17 elements during 2025. This marked a 12.9% increase from 2024, with the group’s applications spanning consumer electronics, automotive components and defense equipment.
In response to significant U.S. tariffs, Chinese authorities in April added seven medium and heavy rare earth elements, as well as magnets, to the country’s export control list. This move triggered a sharp reduction in magnet exports during April and May.
By June, exports started to recover, following a string of agreements secured between China, the United States, and Europe, which helped ease previous trade tensions.
In December, rare earth exports dropped by 20% to 4,392 tons compared to November, mirroring a decline in international demand after widespread stockpiling in advance of the Christmas holidays. Despite this monthly fall, December’s figure was still 32% higher than the 3,326 tons shipped in the same month of 2024.
Industry analysts, speaking anonymously due to restrictions on discussing market details with media, stated that many overseas buyers accelerated purchases in November to prepare for the holiday period. This strategy drove a 26.5% jump in exports for November over the previous month.
