China has extended the suspension of its recently introduced export controls on rare earths and other strategic materials by two months, until January 10, 2027. The move maintains another key element of the trade understanding reached between Chinese President Xi Jinping and U.S. President Donald Trump.
China’s Ministry of Commerce confirmed the extension in a brief statement without providing further details. The suspension was originally scheduled to expire this month.
China first introduced export restrictions on selected rare earth elements in April 2025 before expanding their scope in October of the same year. The measures also covered certain industrial diamonds and lithium battery technologies, broadening the range of materials and technologies subject to export controls. The restrictions were suspended for one year last November following a meeting between Chinese President Xi Jinping and U.S. President Donald Trump in South Korea. Monday’s decision extends the suspension by a further two months.
The extension forms part of a wider decision by Beijing to continue suspending certain trade countermeasures and tariffs as China and the United States pursue negotiations towards a longer-term trade agreement.
Rare earth elements are essential materials for a range of industries, including electronics, electric vehicles, renewable energy systems, aerospace applications and defense manufacturing. As the world’s leading producer and processor of rare earths, China’s export policies can have a significant impact on global supply chains.
The latest extension of the export-control suspension comes ahead of U.S. President Donald Trump’s planned visit to Shenzhen later this month for the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) leaders’ summit, where he is expected to hold talks with Chinese President Xi Jinping.
China and the U.S. are seeking to maintain the trade understandings reached during their previous summit while continuing negotiations towards a more comprehensive agreement. The latest extension grants additional time for diplomatic discussions but does not constitute a formal trade deal.
Beijing’s decision on rare earth export controls is part of a broader package of measures aimed at preserving the temporary easing of trade restrictions between the world’s two largest economies.
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