China Rare Earth Restrictions Take Effect, More Volatility at Least in the Short Run

Hightlights

• China’s export restrictions on rare earths in effect from October 1, 2024.
• The move has led to increased market volatility and higher costs.
• Companies are seeking alternative sourcing and technological solutions.

Chinese export restrictions have been in effect since October 1, 2024 (opens in a new tab). This move by China was in response to moves by America and western nations to reshape rare earth mineral supply chains, and introduces substantial volatility in the rare earths market. The Chinese restriction has led to an 8.33% increase in price across some rare earth products. Given America’s reliance on rare earths from China—although numerous diversification schemes unfold in America as well as many other nations—the Chinese restrictions create headaches for businesses in America from greater costs and supply chain disruption to potential vulnerability in mission-critical sectors.

Rare Earth Exchanges, a media platform dedicated to the rare earth element market worldwide, suggests these drivers push America and the West’s move to disrupt the supply chain now dominated by China.

In this volatile, unfolding period, participants in the rare earth supply chain search for alternative options for sources of goods, while re-engineering supply chain processes and even technologies to help reduce risk.

From diversification of sourcing to even the redesign and production of products, companies must consider ways to reduce dependence on the current rare earth order. Technological breakthroughs will be helpful, as will new processes and partnerships.

In the weeks to come, Rare Earth Exchanges will report on specific, unfolding dynamics by rare earth commodity. The alternative sources, emerging processes changes, alternative supply chain networks, and the like attached to specific rare earth minerals.