China announces export controls on rare earth technologies.

247 - China's Ministry of Commerce (MOFCOM) announced on Thursday (9) the implementation of export controls on rare earth-related technologies, a measure that, according to the Chinese government, aims to protect national security and interests. The information was originally published by Global Times.

According to the official statement released on the MOFCOM website, the restrictions cover technologies for mining, smelting, separation, manufacturing of magnetic materials, and recycling of secondary rare-earth resources. The decision is in accordance with China's Export Control Law and the Regulations on Export Control of Dual-Use Items—which address products with both civilian and military applications.

The government specified that technical data and information related to the exploration and processing of these minerals, as well as activities related to the assembly, maintenance, repair, and upgrading of production lines, cannot be exported without prior authorization. The unauthorized supply of these items will be considered illegal.

MOFCOM also highlighted that, even for goods and services not listed as controlled, exporters who know their products will be used in foreign activities involving rare earths must apply for a special export license before shipment.

The decision reinforces the strategic role of rare earth elements — a group of 17 chemical elements fundamental to the production of advanced technologies such as chips, electric motors, turbines, and defense equipment. China is responsible for more than 60% of global production and holds the largest share of known reserves.

With this announcement, Beijing signals its intention to exert greater control over critical supply chains, in a context of growing technological competition with the United States, governed by Donald Trump, and with the European Union.

This measure could have a direct impact on high-tech industrial sectors in the West, especially in the manufacture of electric vehicles and renewable energy equipment, which are heavily dependent on the supply of rare earth elements and materials derived from their processing.

 "The goal is to ensure that the use and transfer of these strategic technologies occur in a way that preserves China's fundamental interests," MOFCOM highlighted in a statement.

The initiative follows a series of recent policies by the Chinese government aimed at strengthening control over strategic resources and reducing vulnerabilities in the face of international trade tensions.