China rare-earth product exports fall as Japan spat draws focus

China's rare-earth product exports declined in December compared with the previous month, as investors monitor heightened tensions between Beijing and Japan that could trigger tighter shipment controls.

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Outbound flows of the materials — used in electric vehicles, weapons systems and high-tech manufacturing — totalled 6,745 tonnes, down from 6,958 tonnes in November, according to customs data released on Sunday. The category is largely dominated by rare-earth magnets, a product that’s provided China with