China’s Ministry of Commerce (MOFCOM) says its new rare-earth export controls are lawful national-security steps — not blanket bans — and that licenses might be issued for eligible civilian commerce, in response to a spokesperson’s Q&A posted on X Sunday morning native time.
Uncommon earths — a bunch of 17 parts utilized in permanent-magnet motors for electrical autos (EVs) and wind generators, protection electronics and different high-tech gear — occupy an outsized position in provide chains as a result of China dominates the sector.
Beijing accounts for roughly 70% of world manufacturing and about 90% of processing and refining; so licensing shifts can ripple downstream even when mining or closing manufacturing occurs elsewhere.
In remarks printed solely hours in the past, the MOFCOM spokesperson framed the Oct. 9 motion — taken with the Basic Administration of Customs — as a part of an extended effort to “refine” China’s export management system according to home regulation and non-proliferation obligations.
The spokesperson cited the navy relevance of medium- and heavy uncommon earths and mentioned companions had been notified prematurely by means of bilateral export-control dialogue mechanisms.
Implementation, the ministry mentioned, will hinge on licensing fairly than prohibition.
Evaluations might be carried out underneath regulation, licenses might be granted the place functions qualify, and Beijing is “actively contemplating” facilitation measures — together with potential common licenses and license exemptions — to advertise reputable commerce.
The spokesperson additionally mentioned China had assessed the measures’ results forward of time and expects the broader supply-chain affect to be “very restricted.” The message to business customers was express: compliant civilian exports “can get approval.”
Responding to Washington — whereas leaving room for talks
MOFCOM additionally addressed President Donald Trump’s feedback from Oct. 10 on Fact Social about an extra 100% tariff on Chinese language imports (turning into efficient Nov. 1, 2025) and potential U.S. export controls on “essential software program.”
The spokesperson known as the American place a “double customary,” pointing to the breadth of U.S. management lists and de minimis guidelines as examples of Washington’s expansive strategy.
On the similar time, the ministry emphasised course of, saying China “doesn’t need” a commerce struggle however “shouldn’t be afraid” of 1, and urging a return to established session channels to handle variations on a reciprocal foundation. The spokesperson mentioned China would take “resolute measures” to guard its pursuits if the U.S. proceeds.
Separate feedback criticized U.S. port charges attributable to take impact Oct. 14 on sure Chinese language-linked vessels.
MOFCOM described these charges as unilateral and inconsistent with WTO guidelines and bilateral agreements. China, the ministry mentioned, will levy particular port charges on U.S.-linked vessels underneath home rules — characterizing the step as a defensive countermeasure geared toward safeguarding the rights of Chinese language corporations and sustaining honest competitors in delivery.
As of Sunday, 9:15 a.m. UTC, in response to CoinDesk Knowledge, bitcoin traded round $111,271, down 0.5% up to now 24 hours and 10% from Thursday’s Oct. 9 intraday excessive of $123,641. The Crypto Concern & Greed Index learn 24 — “Excessive Concern” — versus “Greed” per week in the past, underscoring fragile sentiment.
