China adds technology, machinery for rare earth magnet production to prohibited export list

China’s Ministry of Commerce has prohibited the export of rare earth magnet production technology and machinery by adding it to its list of Export Prohibited and Restricted Technologies

China’s Ministry of Commerce has prohibited the export of rare earth magnet production technology and machinery by adding it to its list of Export Prohibited and Restricted Technologies, according to a statement released on Thursday December 21.

Thursday’s announcement formalizes existing export restrictions on all rare earth magnet production technology and machinery that have been in place for many years, Fastmarkets understands. 

The list includes, among other things, technology for: rare earth extraction and separation, including ionic leaching (heavy rare earth ores); the production of rare earth metals and alloys; the production of neodymium iron boron (NdFeB), samarium cobalt and cerium magnets; and the production of boric acid and calcium oxide, which are both raw material inputs in the production of NdFeB magnets.

The Ministry of Commerce said the catalogue’s revision “is a specific measure taken by China to adapt to changes in the technological development situation and improve technology trade management.”

Several large magnet projects outside China are under development, targeting the growing electric vehicle market. 

Why rare earths matter

The supply chain for rare earth materials and permanent magnets is complex, regionally concentrated and marked by a lack of transparent pricing. This can lead to unpredictable costs, budgeting difficulties and supply insecurity. Geopolitical tensions further add to this uncertainty.

Listen to Fastmarkets’ strategic markets editor Caroline Messecar interview rare earths industry veteran Constantine Karayannopoulos, retired CEO of Neo Performance Materials where we tackle key questions in this industry.

Stay informed, make confident decisions and navigate the dynamic rare earths market with Fastmarkets as we provide reliable, objective and timely information to help you navigate this market.

Visit our rare earths hub to learn more about our rare earth prices and market insights.

What to read next
The publication of the affected prices was delayed for 50 minutes. The following indices were published late: MB-MNO-0001 Manganese ore high grade index, cif Tianjin, $ per dmtu MB-MNO-0002 Manganese ore semi carbonate index, 36.5% Mn, fob Port Elizabeth, $/dmtu MB-MNO-0003 Manganese ore semi carbonate index, 36.5% Mn, cif Tianjin, $/dmtu These prices are a part of the […]
The purpose of this review is to ensure that the index continues to accurately reflect prevailing market conditions. We welcome feedback from industry participants on potential amendments to the base specification. This consultation, which is open until August 9, 2025 seeks to ensure that our methodologies continue to reflect the physical market under indexation, in […]
Despite the current headwinds, strategic partnerships and continued investment in the right areas, coupled with the underlying strong long-term demand fundamentals, will pave the way for success for lithium producers, according to the participants of the executive panel during the Fastmarkets Lithium Supply and Battery Raw Materials Conference, which took place from June 23-26 in Las Vegas, Nevada.
The US and Europe must adopt long-term, consistent policies and should learn lessons from China, according to lithium industry experts speaking at Fastmarkets’ Lithium Supply and Battery Raw Materials Conference in Las Vegas, US, over June 22-25.
This consultation was done as an adhoc methodology review process, aiming to better reflect the physical market under indexation, considering its reduced liquidity linked to the combination of seasonal demand patterns and the implementation of cross-border import tariffs between the US and China. No feedback was received during the consultation period and therefore Fastmarkets will […]
Fastmarkets has corrected the rationale for its MB-CO-0021 cobalt hydroxide payable indicator, min 30% Co, cif China, % payable of Fastmarkets’ standard-grade cobalt price (low-end), which was published incorrectly on Wednesday July 2 due to a reporter error.