NEW EXPORT RULES HIT DEFENCE, EV SECTORS China’s rare earth curbs deepen supply risks for India

CHINA ON THURSDAY expanded export controls on rare earths and related technologies, a move that sharpens its hold over critical mineral supply chains and poses new challenges for countries like India seeking to build self-reliance in advanced manufacturing.

- NITIN KUMAR

The revised rules, issued by the ministry of commerce, have extended the restrictions beyond raw minerals to include processing technologies, equipment, and intellectual property, and for the first time explicitly bar supplies linked to foreign defence and semiconductor applications.

These measures could complicate India’s efforts to secure rare earth inputs vital for its electric vehicle, renewable energy, and defence sectors.