Exports of uncommon earth magnets from China to the US decreased by 30%

chiny24.com 1 month ago

In September 2025, China exported 420 tons of uncommon earth magnets to the United States, a decrease of 29.5% compared to the same period of the erstwhile year and 28.7% compared to August 2025. These magnets are utilized in electrical vehicles, wind turbines and weapon systems.

Global growth in exports while reducing supply to the US

Despite a crucial drop in supply to the US, the full exports of Chinese uncommon earth magnets to the global marketplace increased by 17.5% a year in September, reaching 5,773 tonnes. This data comes from the analysis of the FerroAlloyNet investigation firm, based on authoritative Chinese customs statistics.

The largest recipient of Chinese magnets during this period was Germany – 1,288 tonnes, an increase of 27.8% year-on-year. The second was South Korea (854 tons, +84.5%) and Vietnam (456 tons, +18.3%). nipponese imports increased by 20.8% to 228 tonnes, and after taking into account intermediates specified as magnetic powder and alloys, the full volume increased to 722 tonnes, which is 45.2% per year.

China's dominance in the global uncommon earth market

China accounts for around 70% of the world's uncommon earth production and over 80% of the global magnet marketplace from these materials. In 2024, monthly exports of magnets to the US regularly exceeded 400 tons. In May 2025, however, it fell to just 46 tons against the background of the collapse of trade talks. In July, these exports bounced back to 620 tonnes to fall again in August to 589 tonnes and then to 420 tonnes in September.

New rules and export controls

In August 2025, the Chinese government introduced stricter rules for the surveillance of uncommon earth production. In October, additional export restrictions were announced for both natural materials and related technologies. Unofficial sources propose that "accelerated control of exports to the US may origin delays in deliveries".

In consequence to these actions, Donald Trump announced his intention to impose an additional 100% work on Chinese goods. At the same time, however, he spoke of advancement in talks with Beijing before the upcoming US-China summit in South Korea.

On September 29, this year, about 20,000 companies from China were included in the US marketplace restrictions on technology, financial flows and operating opportunities. Before this date, there were 1,400 Chinese entities on the “blacklist” of the United States.

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