China’s Ministry of Commerce (MOFCOM) says its new rare-earth export controls are lawful national-security steps — not blanket bans — and that licenses will likely be issued for eligible civilian commerce, based on a spokesperson’s Q&A posted on X Sunday morning native time.
Uncommon earths — a gaggle of 17 parts utilized in permanent-magnet motors for electrical autos (EVs) and wind generators, protection electronics and different high-tech gear — occupy an outsized function in provide chains as a result of China dominates the sector.
Beijing accounts for roughly 70% of worldwide manufacturing and about 90% of processing and refining; so licensing shifts can ripple downstream even when mining or remaining manufacturing occurs elsewhere.
In remarks printed solely hours in the past, the MOFCOM spokesperson framed the Oct. 9 motion — taken with the Normal Administration of Customs — as a part of an extended effort to “refine” China’s export management system in keeping with home legislation and non-proliferation obligations.
The spokesperson cited the army relevance of medium- and heavy uncommon earths and mentioned companions had been notified prematurely by means of bilateral export-control dialogue mechanisms.
Implementation, the ministry mentioned, will hinge on licensing fairly than prohibition.
Critiques will likely be carried out beneath legislation, licenses will likely be granted the place functions qualify, and Beijing is “actively contemplating” facilitation measures — together with potential basic licenses and license exemptions — to advertise legit commerce.
The spokesperson additionally mentioned China had assessed the measures’ results forward of time and expects the broader supply-chain impression to be “very restricted.” The message to industrial customers was specific: compliant civilian exports “can get approval.”
Responding to Washington — whereas leaving room for talks
MOFCOM additionally addressed President Donald Trump’s feedback from Oct. 10 on Reality Social about a further 100% tariff on Chinese language imports (changing into efficient Nov. 1, 2025) and potential U.S. export controls on “vital software program.”
The spokesperson known as the American place a “double commonplace,” pointing to the breadth of U.S. management lists and de minimis guidelines as examples of Washington’s expansive method.
On the similar time, the ministry emphasised course of, saying China “doesn’t need” a commerce struggle however “isn’t afraid” of 1, and urging a return to established session channels to handle variations on a reciprocal foundation. The spokesperson mentioned China would take “resolute measures” to guard its pursuits if the U.S. proceeds.
Separate feedback criticized U.S. port charges as a result of take impact Oct. 14 on sure Chinese language-linked vessels.
MOFCOM described these charges as unilateral and inconsistent with WTO guidelines and bilateral agreements. China, the ministry mentioned, will levy particular port charges on U.S.-linked vessels beneath home laws — characterizing the step as a defensive countermeasure geared toward safeguarding the rights of Chinese language firms and sustaining honest competitors in transport.
As of Sunday, 9:15 a.m. UTC, based on CoinDesk Knowledge, bitcoin traded round $111,271, down 0.5% previously 24 hours and 10% from Thursday’s Oct. 9 intraday excessive of $123,641. The Crypto Worry & Greed Index learn 24 — “Excessive Worry” — versus “Greed” every week in the past, underscoring fragile sentiment.