New developments in China’s trade restrictions, a shift in the ownership structure of Vacuumschmelze, and a wealth of fresh data made Calendar Week 26 anything but a slow summer week. As the week comes to a close, here is our roundup of the most important stories and insights.
China: May Export Data for Critical Raw Materials
On Monday, China’s customs authorities released a new set of foreign trade data covering critical raw materials and components manufactured from them. One notable development concerns gallium: Japan received its first shipment from China since the introduction of stricter export controls.
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Energy Fuels to Acquire Vacuumschmelze
A change of ownership appears imminent at Vacuumschmelze. Energy Fuels has signed an agreement to acquire the German magnet manufacturer from Ara Partners in a transaction valued at approximately $1.9 billion. The deal is expected to close in early 2027, subject to customary regulatory approvals. With the acquisition, Energy Fuels aims to establish a fully integrated Western rare earth supply chain.
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China Tightens Export Controls Against 10 U.S. Companies
China has expanded its export control list to include ten additional U.S. companies. Effective immediately, Chinese dual-use goods may no longer be supplied to these entities, including via indirect routes through third countries. Dual-use goods, which can be used for both civilian and military purposes, encompass a broad range of critical raw materials and key components in their value chains. The measure affects, among others, MP Materials and USA Rare Earth, both of which have received U.S. government funding to develop a domestic rare earth industry.
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Media Report: Japan and France Invest in Rare Earth Recycling
Initial signs of cooperation between Japan and France to strengthen rare earth supply chains emerged in April. According to the Japanese business daily Nikkei, those plans are now becoming more concrete. At the center of the initiative is a joint investment in the French company Caremag.
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