Shipments fell both month over month and year over year.
China exported nearly 5,105 metric tons of rare earths in June, according to the latest data from the country’s customs authority. Shipments fell 7% from 5,490 metric tons in May. The year-over-year decline was considerably steeper, at 34%. However, China had exported a record 7,742 metric tons in June 2025.
During the first half of the year, China exported 30,483 metric tons of rare earths, down 6.4% from the same period in 2025.
The statistics cover all 17 rare earth elements. More detailed data on the composition and destinations of the exports will be released in the second half of the month. In April 2025, Beijing introduced export controls on seven rare earth elements considered particularly critical and in strong demand. The restrictions temporarily placed significant strain on global supply.
Photo: Magnifier via Canva
