Shipments of the high-tech components declined modestly in May but remained well above last year’s levels.
China’s exports of rare earth magnets eased in May, according to the latest customs data. After reaching 5,126 metric tons in April, exports fell to 4,730 tons in May, a decrease of roughly 8 percent month-on-month.
The leading destinations in May 2026 were Germany, South Korea, the United States, Vietnam, and India. These markets remained largely consistent with April, though minor shifts in ordering reflected short-term procurement cycles rather than structural changes in demand.
Despite the monthly decline, volumes remain significantly elevated compared with last year. In May of the previous year, China exported only 1,238 tons. This disruption was triggered after China introduced export controls on certain heavy rare earth elements in April 2025. The measures affected key inputs such as dysprosium and terbium, which are essential for high-performance magnets used in electric vehicles, wind turbines, and advanced electronics. In the aftermath, exporters reported delays and additional compliance checks regarding the exported magnets’ composition, which continued to influence shipment timing into 2026.
Chinese rare earth magnet exports
Photo: iStock/MAGNIFIER
