Metals & Mining, Non-Ferrous
November 09, 2026
China extends rare earth export suspension to January 2027
By Euan Sadden
Editor:
HIGHLIGHTS
Export controls on seven heavy rare earths remain in force
Dysprosium oxide up 242% since March launch price
IEA: China holds 91% of global rare earth refining capacity
China has officially extended the suspension of export controls on certain rare earth elements that was due to end on Nov. 10 to Jan. 10 next year.
The suspension covering export controls on five rare earth elements — holmium, erbium, thulium, europium and ytterbium — as well as certain technologies and equipment used in rare earth processing, was announced by China's Ministry of Commerce (MOFCOM) on Nov. 9.
Additional export restrictions on certain lithium batteries, graphite materials and products manufactured overseas using Chinese-origin rare earths will also remain suspended.
Meanwhile, export controls introduced in April 2025 on seven other rare earth elements — samarium, gadolinium, terbium, dysprosium, lutetium, scandium and yttrium — remain in effect.
MOFCOM's announcement follows the extension of trade arrangements between China and the US, announced after a Sept. 28 summit between US President Donald Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping at the White House.
The announcement highlights China's influence across rare earth and critical mineral supply chains. Although the Trump administration has committed funding to support new mining projects, expand rare earth recycling and build strategic stockpiles, the US remains heavily reliant on Chinese supply chains.
The International Energy Agency estimates that China accounted for 61% of global mined rare earth supply and 91% of global refining and processing capacity for major rare earths in 2024. China also dominates the processing of other critical minerals, including lithium, copper, cobalt and graphite.
North American rare earth oxide prices have risen significantly in recent months, as China's tight export controls on medium and heavy rare earths have remained in place. Platts, part of S&P Global Energy, assessed dysprosium oxide CIF North America at $4,100/kg on Oct. 30 — up $110/kg from the previous month and sharply above the launch price of $1,200/kg published March 31.
Platts CIF North America assessments for samarium and terbium oxide have recorded similar gains since launch. Samarium oxide was assessed at $1,200/kg on Oct. 30, up from $175/kg on March 31. Terbium oxide was assessed at $8,100/kg on Oct. 30, up from $4,900/kg at launch.
