China's rare earth magnet exports to US surge in June
Photo: China sharply increased supplies of critical materials to the US (wikimedia.org)
In June 2025, China increased its exports of rare earth magnets to the United States more than sevenfold compared to the previous month, according to Reuters.
The surge followed agreements between Beijing and Washington to lift restrictions on the supply of critical minerals.
According to China's General Administration of Customs, 353 metric tons of rare earth magnets were exported to the US in June — 660% more than in May.
Earlier, shipments sharply dropped due to export restrictions imposed by Beijing on certain rare earth products in response to US tariffs.
China supplies over 90% of the world’s demand for rare earth magnets — key components in electric vehicles, wind turbines, and military equipment.
In April and May, export volumes remained low because of licensing delays, causing disruptions in the global supply chain. Some automakers outside China were forced to partially halt production.
China’s total export of rare earth permanent magnets in June reached 3,188 tons — up 157.5% compared to May, but down 38.1% compared to June 2024.
Analysts expect exports to continue growing in July as more Chinese companies obtain licenses.
However, in the first half of 2025, overall exports of rare earth magnets from China fell by 18.9%, totaling 22,319 tons.
China's rare earth export restrictions
In April, China suddenly limited exports of rare earth minerals and magnets, triggering supply chain disruptions in the global auto industry, microelectronics, and defense sectors.
Tensions between the US and China escalated, but in June, the countries’ leaders reached a new trade agreement.
On June 25, China agreed to resume exports of critical raw materials, while Washington lifted restrictions on supplying several technologies, including advanced AI chips.
This partly eased tensions and allowed shipments to ramp up sharply.
