China extends rare earth export control suspension to January 10

China's Ministry of Commerce announced a two-month extension of the suspension on expanded rare earth export controls, pushing the pause to January 10, 2027, as part of ongoing trade talks with the United States.

Rare earth element blocks on Chinese flag
Blocks labeled with rare earth element symbols and atomic numbers arranged on a red Chinese flag with yellow stars, illustrating China's rare earth export policies.

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China’s Ministry of Commerce on Monday extended for two months the suspension of expanded export controls on certain rare earths and related items that had been due to expire this month.

The short statement said the pause on the relevant 2025 announcements would continue until January 10, 2027, covering medium-heavy rare earths, equipment, overseas-related items and technologies.

The original controls, introduced in stages during 2025 and then suspended for one year after a summit between Presidents Xi Jinping and Donald Trump, form part of broader trade countermeasures.

Reuters reported the Ministry of Commerce confirmation of the two-month extension as part of ongoing negotiations with Washington ahead of an expected APEC meeting later this month. Shanghai Metals Market cited Announcement No. 58 of 2026 detailing the dates from November 11.

The extension preserves supply continuity for industries relying on Chinese rare earths while talks continue, with Trump expected to meet Xi in Shenzhen. Next confirmation will come from any further MOFCOM notices or the APEC summit outcome.

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Market attention on critical minerals supply