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3w ago

China Reported to Curb Rare-Earth Exports to Japan as G7 Sets Washington Talks

Conflicting signals over the scope of Beijing’s controls have raised fears of supply disruptions beyond defense contractors.

FILE - When 5,000 Japanese soldiers took part in a victory parade through the international settlement in Shanghai, China, on Dec. 3, 1937, with machine guns and artillery, a Chinese person threw a hand-grenade at the marching throng, and several Japanese were injured. Japanese cavalry swings into Nanking Road with banners flying. Just after this stage the hand grenade was thrown, causing confusion among the marching troops. (AP Photo, File)
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From left to right, Dan Huaicheng, secretary-general of China Arms control and Disarmament Association (CACDA), Luo Qingping, Chairman of China Institute of Nuclear Industry Strategy, and Zhao Xuelin, engineer of China Institute of Nuclear Industry Strategy, attend a press conference on release the research report "Nuclear Ambitions of Japan's Right Wing Forces: A Serious Threat to World Peace" at a hotel in Beijing, China, Thursday, Jan. 8, 2026. (AP Photo/Vincent Thian)
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Overview

  • The Wall Street Journal, cited by Reuters and other outlets, reports China has begun restricting shipments of heavy rare earths and rare-earth magnets to Japanese companies and has effectively paused export-license reviews across industries.
  • Beijing on Jan. 6 announced a ban on exports of dual-use items to Japan, and Commerce Ministry spokesperson He Yadong said the measures target military firms and will not affect normal civilian trade.
  • Japan has raised concerns with G7 partners and the United States, and a U.S. Treasury spokesperson confirmed finance ministers will meet in Washington on Monday to discuss shoring up rare-earth supplies.
  • Nomura estimates the restrictions could cost Japan about $17 billion over a year if sustained, reflecting the broad industrial exposure to rare-earth inputs.
  • Japanese media report delays for sake and food shipments at Chinese customs, and analysts note Japan still relies on China for roughly 60–70% of its rare-earth supplies despite diversification efforts.