Overview
- Beijing confirmed after a videoconference between EU Trade Commissioner Maros Sefcovic and Commerce Minister Wang Wentao that the 12-month suspension applies to the EU.
- The pause covers earlier restrictions on mining, smelting, separation and recycling of rare earths, as well as materials linked to batteries and synthetic diamonds.
- Sefcovic described the talks as constructive and said both sides will keep working on improving the implementation of export-control policies.
- EU trade spokesperson Olof Gill welcomed the step as an appropriate and responsible move to maintain stability in global trade flows for strategic inputs.
- The decision follows recent engagement with the United States after the Xi–Trump meeting in Busan and eases European industry concerns over supply-chain disruption.