China’s rare-earth exports fall in Dec
According to customs data released on Sunday, the flow abroad of materials used in electric vehicles, weapon systems and high-tech manufacturing decreased from 6,958 tons in November to 6,745 tons. This category is largely dominated by rare earth magnets, a product that has given China critical leverage in a series of trade disputes that have rattled markets.
Rare earth elements have emerged as a flashpoint in trade relations in recent years as the United States and other countries seek to challenge China’s dominance in mining and processing. Although Beijing and Washington eased tensions by reaching a trade truce in October, attention turned to Japan after China’s Ministry of Commerce announced controls on shipments to the country with potential military applications. The announcement follows comments made by Japan’s prime minister on Taiwan last year.
According to China Daily following the ministry’s statement, Beijing is also considering more strictly examining licenses to ship minerals to the country.
