The U.S. once controlled the market on rare earth elements, sought after for a range of technologies. But in the last few decades, China has cornered that market and surpassed the U.S.

China’s Rare Earth Origin Story, Explained Low environmental standards helped China become the world’s low-cost producer of rare earths, but Beijing was also focused on helping the industry.

By 2013 ten producers controlled almost all mining. Today, there are just two state-owned giants: China Rare Earth Group and China Northern Rare Earth Group High-Tech (600111.SS).

China has introduced a tracking system for its rare earth magnet sector, three sources said, as its export restrictions on them begin to cut off customers around the world.

Electric cars have additional rare earth magnets for the motors that turn their wheels. China makes about 90 percent of the world’s supply of rare earth magnets.

In total, China exported 3,188 tons of rare earth permanent magnets globally last month, up 157.5% from 1,238 tons in May, although the June volume was still 38.1% lower than the corresponding ...

China Loosens Rare Earth Export Controls By Michael Kern - Jun 19, 2025, 10:30 AM CDT ...