China, the world’s largest producer of rare earth minerals, reported a significant 23% increase in exports in May compared with April, despite the implementation of export curbs on certain critical minerals, according to a Reuters report.
This surge brought the total to 5,864 tonnes (t), the highest monthly figure in a year.
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The rise in exports comes amidst global manufacturing disruptions due to shortages caused by China’s export restrictions.
The export curbs, introduced in April, did not affect all types of rare earth products that China exports. Detailed data on the impact of these restrictions is expected to be released on 20 June, the report said.
Last month’s data indicated that magnet exports halved in April, leading to production halts in several European auto parts plants and semiconductor companies warning of imminent production disruptions.
In the first five months of 2025, exports of the group of 17 minerals saw a slight increase to 24,827t from 24,266.5t in the previous year, according to customs data.
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By GlobalDataThis marginal growth occurred even as China’s coal industry grapples with an oversupply issue, resulting in a 42% year-on-year increase in mine stockpiles and a 25% annual rise in inventories at northern Bohai area ports.
The oversupply in coal is attributed to a significant expansion in production, which was a response to the energy shortages and blackouts experienced in 2021.
With China housing the world’s largest thermal power fleet, the country is producing more coal than it can consume.
Power plants are now being urged to purchase coal from these northern ports to alleviate the high stockpile levels and support miners, as informed by three sources familiar with the matter.
