China issued first batch of rare earth, tungsten mining output quotas for 2020

[SMM Tungsten Express] Japan's response to China's tungsten export controls demonstrates that supply chain restructuring can effectively hedge geopolitical risks. After China imposed tungsten export controls in February 2025, Japan quickly pivoted to tungsten scrap from the US, Singapore and Europe, with US scrap exports to Japan surging 24-fold in Q1 2026. Major producers have initiated expansion plans: Mitsubishi Materials invested ~$64 million to expand recycling capacity in Japan and Europe, while Sumitomo Electric invested $100 million in a new plant expected to boost tungsten supply capacity by ~50% by 2028. The Japanese government is advancing public-private supply chain reform through its Economic Security Promotion Act and JOGMEC. This case underscores that critical minerals dependence is not merely a commercial issue but a strategic risk, accelerating efforts to build resilient supply chains.

【SMM Tungsten Express】Makenita Resources has expanded its Sisson West tungsten project land package in New Brunswick, Canada, from 9,845 acres to 22,665 acres, more than doubling the area. The project directly borders Northcliff Resources' Sisson tungsten mine, recently named by Prime Minister Carney as a "nation-building" project. The company is formulating a drill program for the property.

[Tungsten Express] SMM July 30: In H1 2026, the import value of cemented carbide inserts (2.351 billion yuan) was 1.43 times that of the export value (1.64 billion yuan). The export value of coated cemented carbide inserts was up 23.88% YoY, while the import value was up 31.94% YoY; exports of coated cemented carbide inserts stood at 670 mt, down 15% YoY, with the unit price up 46.09% YoY. The export value of non-coated cemented carbide inserts was up 36.03% YoY, and the import value was up 31.37% YoY; exports of non-coated cemented carbide inserts were 814 mt, down 15% YoY, with the unit price up 59.55% YoY.