China's Rare Earth Magnet Exports Rise to Seven-Month High

China's exports of rare earth magnets climbed for a third consecutive month in August, reaching 6,146 metric tons, a seven-month high. Customs data show shipments were up 10.2% from July and 15.4% year-on-year, reflecting a steady recovery in outbound flows after Beijing curbed shipments in April. The rebound follows negotiations between China, the United States and Europe that have sped approvals and eased certain export controls introduced earlier in the year. Rare earth magnets are critical to electric vehicle motors, wind turbines and other clean-energy and industrial applications, so shifts in Chinese policy directly affect global supply chains and component costs. Despite the overall increase, exports to the United States totaled 590 tons in August, down 4.7% from July and 11.8% from the same month last year, suggesting uneven allocation across markets. Analysts say the gradual resumption of shipments could help stabilize supplies for manufacturers, but volatility may persist while trade dynamics and export rules continue to evolve.