SHANGHAI, Oct 15 (SMM) – Foreign importers stepped up purchases of rare earth from China last month, fearing that potential tariffs could affect imports of China's rare earth products, SMM learned. 

China exported 4,950.6 mt of rare earth in September, up 33.3% from a year ago, and up 14.7% from August, showed China Customs data. 

In September 2017, export volume stood at 3,715 mt, up 1.1% on the year, and down 11.2% on the month.