BEIJING (Web Desk): China’s Ministry of Commerce has published a new directive titled “Announcement No. 62 of 2025,” a move that has shaken the fragile trade truce between Beijing and Washington.
Far from being a routine bureaucratic notice, the document details fresh restrictions on the export of rare earth minerals, a sector where China already holds near-total dominance. These minerals are vital for the production of smartphones, electric vehicles, and even fighter jets, making them a cornerstone of the global high-tech supply chain.
Under the new regulations, foreign companies will now require official approval from the Chinese government to export any product containing even trace amounts of these critical minerals. Additionally, companies must disclose the intended use of the materials to Chinese authorities before shipment.
Analysts see this move as a strategic reminder to U.S. President Donald Trump of China’s leverage in the ongoing trade war. By tightening export controls, Beijing aims to reinforce its command over global mineral supply lines — and signal that any escalation in tariffs or sanctions could backfire on American industries dependent on these resources.
Experts warn that this latest development could disrupt global supply chains and further intensify the U.S.–China economic rivalry, which has already rattled markets and strained diplomatic ties.