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China exported 25,378 tonnes of rare-earth ore, metals and compounds between January and May 2026, up 2.2 per cent from the same period a year earlier, according to customs data.
{alcircleadd}While export volumes rose only slightly, the value of those shipments climbed much faster. Export earnings reached USD 243.63 million during the five-month period, marking a 44.9 per cent increase compared with the previous year.
In May alone, China's rare-earth exports totalled 5,490.4 tonnes, with shipments valued at USD 63.08 million.
The huge gap between volume growth and export value show that prices for rare-earth materials have spiked sharply over the past year.
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Rare earths are used in a wide variety of industries, like electric vehicles, renewable energy equipment, consumer electronics and defence technologies. High demand from these sectors has helped to support prices and increase the export value.
China still dominates the global rare earth industry, accounting for a large share of both mining and processing capacity. And the nation continues to be a cornerstone for providing materials necessary for advanced manufacturing and clean-energy technologies.
The latest figures come as governments and manufacturers worldwide seek to secure stable supplies of rare earths and reduce their reliance on a handful of suppliers.
China’s rare-earth exports have seen strong growth in value this year, aided by higher prices and steady demand from technology and energy-related industries.
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