China exported significantly less dysprosium in August than in the previous month. According to customs data, only 802 kilograms were shipped overseas, split almost evenly between South Korea and Portugal. In July, exports had amounted to 11,292 kilograms, all of which went to South Korea. Terbium exports, by contrast, rose by 71 percent to 2,251 kilograms, with South Korea again the largest destination, receiving 2,000 kilograms. According to the latest data, exports of both heavy rare earth elements also remain well below year-ago levels.
Since April 2025, dysprosium, terbium and several other medium and heavy rare earth elements have been subject to export controls and corresponding licensing requirements in China. Export volumes can therefore fluctuate considerably from month to month. In addition, dysprosium and terbium are relatively small markets, meaning that individual larger shipments can have a substantial impact on monthly export statistics. Our chart shows how Chinese exports have developed so far this year.
Photo: via Canva, montage rawmaterials.net
