China rare-earth exports to Japan, US plunge after restrictions

MaterialsJanuary-June shipments to Japan halved as data shows scale of Beijing's pressure tacticsA rare earth mine in Jiangxi province. Beijing is using rare earths, of which it accounts for about 70% of global production, to ratchet up pressure on other countries. © ReutersKENTARO SHIOZAKIAugust 8, 2026 06:00 JSTBEIJING -- Chinese exports of restricted rare-earth elements fell by roughly half to Japan and by nearly 30% to the U.S. for the January-June period, the latest example of Beijing's willingness to use critical resources to apply economic pressure and create diplomatic leverage.