Export figures for the critical raw materials dysprosium and terbium moved in opposite directions in March.
Exports of terbium from China remained at a low level in March, according to newly released customs data. Following shipments of 500 kilograms in February, a total of 653 kilograms* was exported last month. The only destinations were Estonia and Australia, although Australia received just three kilograms.
China has imposed strict export controls on terbium and other rare earth elements since April 2025. In March 2025, immediately before the measures took effect, nearly eleven metric tonnes of terbium were shipped abroad.
Dysprosium, which is subject to the same restrictions, showed a different trend. At 7,936 kilograms, March exports nearly matched the previous year's level after no dysprosium shipments were recorded in February. South Korea was the main destination, while smaller quantities were exported to Portugal.
Permanent magnets used in applications such as electric vehicle motors rely heavily on dysprosium and terbium for high-temperature resistance. China continues to hold a dominant position in both the mining and processing of these materials.
Development of dysprosium exports in recent months
Development of terbium exports in recent months
Development of exports of rare earth magnets in recent months
Rare Earth Magnet Exports Increase
China also maintains a leading global role in the production of rare earth magnets. Export figures for these components, released on April 20, show an increase of more than ten per cent compared with February.
Export volumes reached 5,238 metric tonnes, roughly in line with the same period last year. Germany was the largest buyer by a considerable margin, followed by South Korea, Vietnam, the United States, and India. Japan once again ranked among the ten most important destination countries, as it had in February.
*In the original version of this article, an incorrect figure was published and has since been corrected. We apologise for the error.
