China's Rare earth Exports Fell from January to February 2023, Imports from South-east Asia Jumped due to China's Reopening from COVID-19 Pandemic

SHANGHAI, Apr 21 (SMM) – China's rare earth exports amounted to 7,391.2 mt from January to February 2023, down 5.6% from the same period last year.

During this period, China imported 6,192 mt of unspecified rare earth oxides, up 1,169% YoY, versus 12,812 mt of rare earth metal ores, up 4% YoY, and 1,362 mt of mixed rare earth carbonate, up 112% YoY.

Considering that Myanmar is about to enter the rainy season, it is expected that the import of rare earths from South-east Asia in the second quarter will be reduced compared with the first quarter.

The Mountain Pass Rare Earth Mine in the United States are close to full production, and the imports of rare earth metal ores from the mine have grown slowly; however, since the pandemic control policy was relaxed, the import volume of rare earth metals from South-east Asia has increased significantly.