China Imposes Sweeping Rare-Earth Export Controls to Protect ‘National Security’

China has announced sweeping export controls on rare-earth minerals and advanced technologies, citing national security concerns. The new regulations will require foreign companies to obtain Beijing’s approval to export magnets or materials containing even trace amounts of Chinese-sourced elements.

Source Financial Times

Officials said the policy aims to prevent misuse of rare-earth materials in military and sensitive sectors. The move comes just weeks before an expected meeting between Xi Jinping and Donald Trump, where trade and technology tensions are expected to dominate the agenda.

Analysts say the decision is a calculated response to U.S. semiconductor restrictions and a signal of China’s growing leverage over global supply chains. The new export rules could disrupt chip manufacturing, electric vehicle production, and other industries dependent on critical Chinese minerals.