US Undecided on Rare Earth Magnet Export Licenses Amid AI Chip Restrictions, China Offers Expedited Approval for Non-Military Use

Published: Jun 15, 2025 18:02

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According to US media reports, the US military has not yet made a decision on export licenses for special rare earth magnets, which are used in equipment such as fighter jets and missile systems. The US still restricts China's purchase of advanced artificial intelligence (AI) chips, citing their potential military value.
Sources familiar with the matter revealed that during the talks in London, the Chinese side pledged to expedite the approval of rare earth export applications from non-military US state-owned enterprises. So far, it has received tens of thousands of applications, with the relevant export licenses valid for six months. China also proposed establishing a green channel for "trusted" US enterprises to streamline the approval process. For some special military rare earths, including samarium, strict control measures are in place, and these rare earths are not included in the expedited approval scope covered by the London agreement.

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