U.S. Trade Representative Highlights Slow Progress in China's Rare Earth Exports
China still drags its feet on rare earths sometimes, says US Trade Representative
The Economic Times
Image: The Economic Times
U.S. Trade Representative Jamieson Greer noted improvements in rare earth exports from China to the United States, though delays in shipment approvals persist. Despite a deal last October for freer shipments, China's export controls remain tight, impacting U.S. industries reliant on these materials.
- 01Jamieson Greer, U.S. Trade Representative, mentioned that while rare earth exports from China are improving, some shipments still face delays.
- 02China's rare earth export controls were introduced in April 2025 in response to U.S. tariffs and continue to restrict certain exports.
- 03The U.S. recently received significant shipments of yttrium, a critical rare earth element, which has been in short supply for over a year.
- 04Greer indicated that U.S. officials often need to intervene to facilitate shipment approvals for affected companies.
- 05Despite the challenges, Greer described interactions with Chinese counterparts as constructive.
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During an interview on Bloomberg Television, U.S. Trade Representative Jamieson Greer addressed the ongoing issues surrounding rare earth exports from China to the United States. He acknowledged that while there has been an improvement in the volume of exports, delays in the approval of certain shipments persist. Greer highlighted that U.S. officials often find it necessary to step in on behalf of American companies facing these delays. He attributed the slow approval process to China's export controls, which were implemented in April 2025 as a retaliatory measure against U.S. tariffs imposed by then-President Donald Trump. Despite a deal in October 2022 aimed at allowing more fluid shipments, restrictions remain in place. Notably, the U.S. has recently received large shipments of yttrium, a rare earth element crucial for industries like semiconductors and aerospace, which had been facing shortages. Greer described the U.S.-China discussions as constructive, indicating a willingness from both sides to address these export issues. However, he noted that there is still a significant deficit in yttrium exports compared to previous figures.
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The ongoing delays in rare earth exports from China affect U.S. industries, particularly semiconductors and aerospace, which rely heavily on these materials.
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