China’s Rare Earth Exports to US Surge 660% in June

China’s exports of rare earth magnets to the US surged 660% in June 2025 from May, reaching 353 metric tons, according to data released Sunday by the General Administration of Customs. Globally, China exported 3,188 metric tons of rare earth permanent magnets in June, a 157.5% increase from 1,238 tons in May, reflecting progress from agreements reached in June aimed at easing restrictions and restoring global supply. However, exports were still down 38.1% year-on-year compared to June 2024. China—which supplies more than 90% of the world’s rare-earth magnets—signed a series of accords with the US last month to reopen rare-earth trade channels. These agreements followed export controls imposed by Beijing in April during the peak of trade tensions, which had severely disrupted global supply chains and triggered shutdowns at some auto factories. Despite the recent rebound, exports for the first half of 2025 totaled 22,319 tons, marking an 18.9% decline compared to the same period in 2024.