(Jan 18): China’s rare-earth product exports declined in December compared with the previous month, as investors monitor heightened tensions between Beijing and Japan that could trigger tighter shipment controls. Outbound flows of the materials — used in electric vehicles, weapons systems and high-tech manufacturing — totalled 6,745 tonnes, down from 6,958 tonnes in November, according to customs data released on Sunday. The category is largely dominated by rare-earth magnets, a product that has provided China with critical leverage in a series of trade disputes that have jolted markets. Beijing is also mulling stricter scrutiny of the licences to ship the minerals to the country, the China Daily reported, following the ministry’s statement. The export figures released on Sunday cover shipments to all destinations and do not provide a breakdown by geography or product type.

Source: The Edge Markets January 18, 2026 08:42 UTC