Fall in China's rare earth magnet exports stokes supply fears

China’s exports of rare earth magnets fell in September, reigniting fears that the world’s top supplier could wield its dominance over a component key for US defence firms and makers of items from cars to smartphones as leverage in trade talks.

- JOE CASH

Monazite, a mineral used in the rare earth industry to extract elements such as cerium, lanthanum, and neodymium, is seen through a magnifying glass.

(REUTERS)

In April and May, the Beijing government squeezed global automakers with export curbs on a range of rare earths items and related magnets, while negotiators faced off over triple-digit US tariffs on goods from the world’s second-largest economy.

Four months on, after Washington and Beijing unexpectedly reprised threats of fresh tariffs and rare earth export curbs, worry is growing that China could return to the same playbook.

That would mean it reneges on a June deal with the United States to ease the flow of critical minerals.

China’s shipments of rare earth magnets fell 6.1% in September from August, customs data showed yesterday, ending three months of gains, and dropping even before Beijing unveiled a dramatic expansion of its export licensing regime this month.

“The sharp swings in rare earth magnet exports show that China knows it holds a key card in international trade talks,” said Chim Lee, senior analyst at the Economist Intelligence Unit.