Fact Check: In April 2025, China announced new export controls on rare earth minerals that require businesses to apply for a license to export these materials.

Fact Check: "In April 2025, China announced new export controls on rare earth minerals that require businesses to apply for a license to export these materials."

What We Know

In April 2025, China implemented new export controls on certain rare earth elements, specifically targeting seven categories of medium and heavy rare earth minerals. This move was formalized through Announcement No. 18 issued by China's Ministry of Commerce (MOFCOM) and the General Administration of Customs on April 4, 2025. Under these regulations, exporters are required to obtain government licenses to export these materials, which include critical elements such as dysprosium, terbium, and others used in high-tech applications like electric vehicles and military hardware (source-4, source-8).

The announcement was made in the context of ongoing trade negotiations with the United States, where China cited national security and international non-proliferation obligations as reasons for the new controls (source-1, source-6).

Analysis

The claim that China announced new export controls requiring businesses to apply for a license to export rare earth minerals in April 2025 is accurate. The implementation of these controls has been widely reported across various reputable sources. For instance, the New York Times and Reuters confirm that these controls were indeed enacted as part of China's strategy to manage its rare earth exports more tightly.

However, the claim's context may lead to misinterpretation. While it is true that businesses must apply for licenses, the situation is fluid, with reports indicating that China has granted temporary export licenses to suppliers of major U.S. automakers (source-2). This suggests that while the licensing requirement exists, it is not an absolute barrier to export, and there may be ongoing negotiations affecting the implementation of these controls.

The reliability of the sources reporting on this matter is generally high, with major news organizations and industry analysts providing corroborating information. However, it is essential to note that the context of these controls—especially regarding their potential impact on U.S.-China relations and global supply chains—can introduce bias depending on the source's perspective.

Conclusion

Verdict: False. While the claim is factually correct in stating that China announced new export controls requiring businesses to apply for licenses to export rare earth minerals in April 2025, it lacks nuance regarding the current state of these controls. The situation is dynamic, with temporary licenses being granted, indicating that the controls are not as restrictive as the claim may imply.

Sources

1. China grants rare earth export permits after US trade talks, offers ...
2. China issues rare earth licenses to suppliers of top 3 US ...
3. What to Know About China's Halt of Rare Earth Exports
4. China's Rare Earth Export Controls Target U.S. Industries: Scope and Impact
5. China grants rare earth export permits after US trade talks ...
6. Chinas Rare Earth Export Controls
7. China's 2025 Rare Earth Export Controls: A Comprehensive Guide for ...
8. China Imposes Export Controls on Medium and Heavy Rare Earth Materials