China's rare earth imports from Southeast Asia increased again in October

According to customs data, China’s rare earth metal ore imports in October 2023 were 3,299 mt, down 60% YoY and 34% MoM, bringing total imports in the first ten months of 2023 up to 56,275 mt, down 18% YoY. From January to October 2023, China's unlisted rare earth oxide imports totalled 36,267 mt, up 287% YoY, of which imports in October were 2,874 mt, up 147% YoY and 3% MoM. Mixed rare earth carbonate imports in October were 644 mt, up 2964% YoY but down 56% MoM, bringing total imports in the first ten months of 2023 up to 12,510 mt, up 748% YoY.

Myanmar announce that auxiliary materials would be officially banned from entering Myanmar in mid-November. Therefore, Chinese importers rushed to import rare earth ore before mid-November to prevent disruptions of imports. Therefore, rare earth imports from Southeast Asia hiked again in October.