China’s tighter curbs delay light rare earth supplies

WHILE CHINAHAS eased some restrictions on the export of light rare earth magnets, manufacturers across sectors continue to face delays in supplies.

- NITIN KUMAR

Industry executives said that the slowdown stems from stricter inspections introduced to ensure that heavy rare earth magnets are not mixed with lighter grades during export.

Chinese authorities have stepped up scrutiny following reports that some exporters were mis-classifying or mixing magnet grades to bypass restrictions on heavy rare earths.