China’s exports of rare earth elements reached their highest annual total in over a decade last year. This surge came even after Beijing moved to restrict shipments of several key materials last spring, according to official customs data released Wednesday.
The world’s dominant producer shipped out 62,585 metric tons of these critical minerals in 2025, marking a 12.9% increase from the year before. This volume represents the strongest annual export performance since at least 2014.
The robust yearly figure is notable given China’s decision in April to place export controls on seven medium and heavy rare earth elements and related magnets. That policy was widely seen as a countermeasure to significant U.S. tariffs. The initial impact was sharp, causing a steep drop in magnet exports for April and May.
However, the downturn proved short-lived. Industry observers point to a series of trade agreements negotiated between China and major Western economies, including the United States and European nations. “Shipments gradually recovered from June,” the data suggests, as these diplomatic channels eased trade tensions.
Dec Exports Fell by 20% over Nov
A closer look at the final months of the year reveals a mixed picture. Exports in December fell by 20% compared to November, landing at 4,392 tons. Analysts attribute this seasonal dip to a slowdown in overseas buying after stockpiling ahead of the year-end holidays. Despite the monthly decline, the December volume was still substantially higher, up 32%, compared to the same month in 2024.
The strong November performance, which saw a 26.5% jump from October, supports this explanation. One analyst, who spoke on condition of anonymity because they are not authorized to brief the media, confirmed the trend: “Many overseas buyers booked more volumes in November in preparation for the holiday break last month.”
These 17 elements are crucial components in a vast array of modern products, from smartphones and electric vehicles to advanced military equipment, underscoring the global significance of China’s export trends.
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