China’s Global Exports of Rare Earth Elements and Rare Earth Permanent Magnets

China continued to heavily restrict exports of certain rare earth compounds and metals in May 2026, according to Silverado’s latest dashboard. China’s exports of rare earth compounds and metals in tariff lines fully covered by the April 2025 export controls remained well below historical levels. Most notably, U.S.-bound exports — which had briefly recovered in March — fell to zero for the first time since September 2025. Exports to Japan also remained minimal due to China’s additional January controls.

China’s rare earth magnet exports, which are only partially covered by the April 2025 export controls, have largely returned to pre-export control levels. However, exports to the United States remain well below historical levels.