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China tightens rare earths export rules, adds semiconductor and defense curbs

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China sharply expanded its rare earths export restrictions on Thursday, adding five new elements and imposing stricter controls on semiconductor and defense users, in a move seen as tightening Beijing’s grip on critical materials ahead of Trump–Xi talks later this month.

The Ministry of Commerce said the new rules include holmium, erbium, thulium, europium, and ytterbium, bringing the total number of restricted rare earths to 12. Dozens of refining technologies were also added to the control list, while foreign companies using Chinese materials or equipment will now need a Chinese export licence — even if the finished product is made abroad.

China produces over 90% of the world’s processed rare earths, which are vital for EVs, aircraft engines, radars, and advanced chips. The new curbs come amid escalating U.S.–China tech tensions, following American calls to expand chip export bans.

Beijing said the rules will take effect November 8, with extra measures for foreign users from December 1. It also stated that defense-related users will not be granted licences, and chipmakers working on 14-nanometer or smaller chips and AI with military potential will face case-by-case reviews.

“The move helps Beijing gain leverage ahead of the Trump–Xi summit,” said Tim Zhang of Edge Research. Analysts described the controls as part of a global supply chain split, with China localizing production while the U.S. and allies accelerate their own.

Shares in Chinese and U.S. rare earth firms surged on the news, as investors braced for a new phase of strategic competition over the world’s most critical materials.

Nvidia to Participate in China Supply-Chain Expo in July for First Time, CCTV Reports

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U.S. chip giant Nvidia (NVDA.O) will attend the China International Supply Chain Expo in Beijing this July for the first time, according to Chinese state broadcaster CCTV.

The expo, now in its third edition, will take place from July 16 to 20 and feature more than 230 new Chinese and foreign participants, CCTV reported. Nvidia, the market leader in artificial intelligence-related chips, faces challenges in maintaining its share of the Chinese market amid tightening U.S. export controls restricting China’s access to advanced chips.

While the expo is not typically a venue for major deals, it offers foreign companies an important platform to demonstrate their commitment to the Chinese market. The event’s inaugural edition in 2023 saw Premier Li Qiang emphasize the reliability of Chinese supply chains, especially as some Western countries sought to reduce dependence on China.

Despite escalating trade tensions with the U.S., American companies will make up the largest group of foreign participants at this year’s expo, with a reported 15% increase over last year, according to CCTV.