Key facts
- China's rare-earth export value jumped 44.9% to $243.63 million in Jan-May 2026.
- Export volumes rose only 2.2% to 25,378 tonnes in the same period.
- Higher prices and strong global demand for strategic minerals are driving the value increase.
- Rare earths are critical for electric vehicles, renewable energy, advanced electronics, and defense.
China's rare-earth exports experienced a significant surge in value during the first five months of 2026, with a 44.9% increase to $243.63 million, despite a modest 2.2% rise in export volumes to 25,378 tonnes. This divergence indicates substantially higher prices for these strategic minerals and robust global demand.
Data from the General Administration of Customs of China revealed that shipments during January-May 2026 totaled 25,378 tonnes, up from approximately 24,832 tonnes in the same period last year. The value, however, climbed sharply to $243.63 million. In May 2026 alone, China exported 5,490.4 tonnes of rare-earth ore, metals, and compounds, generating $63.08 million in export value.