China's rare earth export value jumps 61.1% YoY in first half of 2026 despite lower shipment volumes
Beijing, July 20
China's export value of rare-earth ore, metals rose 61.1 per cent in the first half of 2026 despite a decline in shipment volumes, according to data released by the General Administration of Customs of China.
The data showed that China exported 30,482.841 tonnes of rare-earth ore, metals during January-June 2026, down 6.4 per cent from 32,569.28 tonnes exported in the corresponding period last year.
Despite the decline in export volumes, the total export value increased sharply to USD 308.269 million during the first six months of 2026 from USD 191.299 million in the same period of 2025, marking a 61.1 per cent year-on-year rise.
In June 2026 alone, China exported 5,104.838 tonnes of rare-earth ore, metals and compounds, with shipments valued at USD 64.644 million, the customs data showed.
The latest figures indicate that while the quantity of rare-earth exports declined in the first half of the year, export earnings increased significantly compared with the same period a year ago.
The customs data forms part of China's major exports by quantity and value for June 2026 and covers shipments of rare-earth ore, metals during the January-June period.
The data also showed that exports of refined petroleum products stood at 2,359.320 million tonnes in the first half of 2026, down 13.2 per cent year-on-year, while export value rose 14.5 per cent to USD 20.334 billion.
Exports of medical and pharmaceutical products increased 8.5 per cent in volume to 87.104 (10,000 tons) during the first six months of the year, while their export value rose 12 per cent to USD 14.265 billion.
Among other major export categories, exports of unwrought aluminium and aluminium products increased 16.3 per cent in volume and 33.2 per cent in value during the January-June period.
The customs data further showed that exports of mechanical and electrical products grew 24.5 per cent in value to USD 1.35 trillion during the first half of 2026. Exports of high-tech products also recorded strong growth, with export value rising 38.5 per cent year-on-year to USD 604.155 billion.
— ANI
Reader Comments
This is a wake-up call for India's manufacturing ambitions. Rare earths are critical for EVs, wind turbines, and defense equipment. China is tightening its grip while we're still importing magnets from them for our own solar panels and motors. The ₹4,000 crore PLI for critical minerals is a good start, but we need faster policy action. Otherwise, we'll just be buying expensive Chinese rare earths for our own 'Make in India' products. 😟
Interesting how China manages to increase export value even when volumes drop. They're essentially using their rare earth dominance as a geopolitical tool—charging more to countries that rely on them, like the US and EU. India should not only focus on mining but also build downstream refining capacity. We have the raw materials in Jharkhand and Rajasthan, but without processing plants, we're stuck selling cheap ore while China adds 10x value. Smart strategy by China, honestly.
I'm more worried about the other numbers in this report—China's high-tech exports grew 38.5%! Their mechanical and electrical products are worth $1.35 trillion in just six months. Meanwhile, India's electronics exports are barely touching $15-20 billion. We're talking about a 100x difference. The rare earth story is just one piece of the puzzle. India needs to fundamentally rethink its manufacturing ecosystem. China isn't just selling raw materials; they're dominating the entire value chain.
Honestly, what's new? China has been doing this for years with rare earths. They control nearly 60% of global mining and 90% of processing. The price rise is just because demand for EVs and renewables is exploding globally. India should focus on what we can control: building our own rare earth separation plants. We have the world's fifth-largest reserves but export 90% of our rare earth ore to... China for processing! That's the real problem. 😡
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