China Imposes Export Controls on Rare Earth-Related Technologies

China’s Ministry of Commerce (MOFCOM) announced new export controls on rare earth-related technologies to safeguard national security and strategic interests. The measures, effective immediately, cover key sectors including rare earth mining, smelting and separation, magnetic material manufacturing, metal smelting, and rare earth secondary resource recycling.
According to MOFCOM, the rules prohibit exporting such technologies and related data without permission. This includes the assembly, maintenance, repair, and upgrading of relevant production lines. Exporters of non-controlled goods or technologies that are knowingly intended for overseas rare earth-related activities must obtain a dual-use item export license before proceeding. Unauthorized exports will face strict penalties under China’s Export Control Law and related regulations.
The announcement reflects China’s growing emphasis on controlling its rare earth supply chain, a critical sector for global high-tech industries, given the strategic importance of these materials in electronics, defence, and green technologies.