Exports were up year-on-year but down month-on-month in April, as new export rules took effect. Imports also posted a decline.
China exported 4,784.8 tons of rare earths in April, marking a 4.8% increase compared to the same month last year, customs data shows. However, exports were down by approximately 15.6% from March 2025. The decline follows Beijing’s introduction of export controls on April 4 targeting seven of the 17 rare earth elements and their various compounds. Although the measures fall short of a full ban, industry experts say shipments of the restricted elements have largely stalled as the new licensing system is being finalized.
Despite these restrictions, the bulk of China’s rare earth exports in recent years have comprised elements not currently subject to controls, such as lanthanum and cerium, which are primarily used in the chemical and glass industries, respectively.
Chinese rare earth exports up year-on-year
Meanwhile, China’s rare earth imports also edged down, dropping about 4% in April to 12,622.7 tons. For the first four months of the year, total imports are down approximately 25% year-on-year.
More detailed trade data from Chinese customs is expected later this month, which should shed further light on the impact of the export controls on both global supply chains and domestic markets.
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