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China's rare earth exports fell in July, after reaching a peak the previous month

Customs data released on Thursday showed that rare earth exports from China fell 23% in July, after reaching a record one month earlier. However, the data is still too preliminary to make any firm conclusions regarding Beijing's intention to accelerate shipments.

Data from the General Administration of Customs revealed that the world's leading producer of rare Earths exported 5,994.3 tons of the material in July. This was a 23% drop from June when exports reached their highest level at least since 2014.

China's rare-earth exports are under close scrutiny after Beijing signed a series deals with the United States of America and Europe in order to increase shipments. The agreements also eased the export licensing system, which was imposed by Beijing in April as retaliation to U.S. Tariffs.

It is hard to draw any conclusions from the data released on Thursday, as it does not differentiate between rare earths, and other products that are not restricted. Data is volatile, with swings of up to double digits.

On August 20, a fuller breakdown including exports of rare-earth magnets will also be released. Magnet exports to Germany and the U.S. grew last month. Magnets are vital to the automotive, electronic and defence industries.

China quietly tightens its grip on the rare earth sector, even as the United States and Europe consider or introduce financial support to alternative producers.

Last month, it was

The first 2025 mining and smelting quotes were issued without the usual public announcement.

China's exports of rare earths for the first seven month of this year totaled 38.563.6 tons. This is up 13% compared to the same period in 2024. Reporting by Amy Lv in Beijing and Lewis Jackson; editing by Kim Coghill

(source: Reuters)