According to customs data, China's rare earth magnet exports rose for the third consecutive month in August, reaching 6,146 metric tons—a 10.2% increase month-on-month and a 15.4% increase year-on-year. However, amid shifting demand across different markets, exports to the United States fell to 590 metric tons, marking a 4.7% month-on-month decline and an 11.8% year-on-year drop. This reflects a divergent trend: overall recovery coupled with a decline in exports to the U.S.
Additionally, foreign media analysis of Chinese government data indicates that August exports of rare earth products—including high-performance magnets—reached 7,338 metric tons, setting a new monthly record since data collection began in early 2012.
Rare earth magnets play a critical role in the production of electric vehicle engines, wind turbines, and military equipment, with China currently controlling approximately 90% of global rare earth magnet production. In April this year, after the U.S. announced high reciprocal tariffs on China, China imposed export controls on seven rare earth elements and related rare earth magnets as a countermeasure, triggering panic among global technology companies.
Small size strong curved rare earth neodymium magnets

Although China has gradually relaxed its export controls on rare earth magnets through negotiations and talks between the United States and the European union, the tight supply situation has not improved significantly. For example, the European union Chamber of Commerce in China stated on September 19 that there are still difficulties in releasing Chinese rare earth exports, which may lead to 46 shutdowns of its subsidiaries in September.
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