China Eases Key Mineral Export Bans to the U.S. as Trade Peace Strengthens
In a major sign of easing tensions, China has lifted several restrictions on the export of critical minerals and rare earth materials to the United States, signaling progress in the ongoing trade truce between the two economic superpowers.
The Chinese Ministry of Commerce announced Friday that it would temporarily suspend certain export controls on materials essential for military technology, semiconductor manufacturing, and other high-tech industries for a one-year period.
The move affects export limits on select rare earth elements, lithium-based materials, and advanced processing technologies that were originally imposed on October 9.
This policy shift follows high-level talks between U.S. President Donald Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping in Busan, South Korea, on October 30, where both sides agreed to measures aimed at stabilizing economic relations.
Beijing also rolled back previous curbs on exports of gallium, germanium, antimony, and other critical super-hard materials such as synthetic diamonds and boron nitrides — restrictions initially seen as retaliation for Washington’s tightened semiconductor export rules.
Classified as “dual-use items,” these materials play vital roles in both civilian and defense applications, particularly in electronics and clean energy sectors central to the U.S.-China tech rivalry.
Additionally, China has paused end-user verification procedures for graphite exports to the U.S., which had been part of its broader export ban implemented in late 2024.
China remains the dominant global producer of rare earths and other strategic minerals, often using export policies as leverage in trade negotiations.
As part of the latest bilateral agreement, Washington has agreed to reduce tariffs on Chinese imports by 10 percentage points and delay enforcement of “reciprocal tariffs” until November 10, 2026. The U.S. has also postponed implementation of a rule that would have added Chinese state-backed subsidiaries to its entity blacklist.
