China Restricts Rare Earth Exports to Japan Amid Rising Taiwan Tensions

China has restricted exports of several heavy rare earth elements and related materials to Japan for at least four months, coinciding with rising diplomatic tensions over Taiwan, Reuters reported.

China's rare earth processing facilities are central to global supply chains for advanced technology manufacturing. (Photo: CGTN)

Japan is the largest producer of rare-earth magnets outside China but remains heavily dependent on Chinese imports of key materials used in electronics, defense systems, and electric vehicles.

Since December, exports of materials including dysprosium, terbium, yttrium oxide, and gallium have largely halted, with only limited shipments recorded, according to Chinese customs data.

Analysts say the situation echoes earlier geopolitical tensions in which rare earth exports were used as a form of economic leverage, though the current disruption appears tied to broader regional diplomatic friction.