China’s rare earth magnet shipments halve in May due to export curbs

By Amy Lv and Ryan Woo – Reuters

China, the world’s largest rare earth magnet producer accounting for over 90% of global supply, decided in early April to impose restrictions on exports of seven medium-to-heavy rare earth products and some magnets. That’s rocked supply chains crucial to auto, aerospace, semiconductor and military equipment sectors around the world.

Last month, China shipped out 1,238 metric tons of rare earth permanent magnets, down 52.9% from April and the lowest level for a single month since February 2020, data from the General Administration of Customs showed on Friday.