China now curbs civilian-use rare-earth exports to Japan

Export permits are also being stalled as Beijing-Tokyo tensions simmer

The Bayan Obo mine, containing rare earth minerals, in Inner Mongolia, China. Beijing's apparent retaliation over a remark made by Japan's prime minister includes slow-walking applications to export rare earths to Japan.  © Reuters

SHUNSUKE TABETA and KENTARO SHIOZAKI

January 9, 2026 21:09 JST

Updated on January 9, 2026 21:24 JST

BEIJING -- China's restrictions on exports of rare earth-related products to Japan include those for non-military use, Nikkei learned on Friday. The move comes as Beijing has been strengthening export controls on dual-use items to Japan, ratcheting up pressure amid a bilateral spat.