China’s exports of the heavy rare-earth elements dysprosium and terbium fell once again in May, highlighting the continued volatility of trade flows for both materials. Export activity remains largely determined by China’s licensing regime and export control measures.
According to data released by China’s customs authorities, dysprosium exports fell to 8,483 kilograms in May, down from 11,046 kilograms in April. South Korea remained by far the largest destination, accounting for 8,463 kilograms of total shipments. Smaller volumes were exported to Slovenia and Singapore.
Terbium exports also continued their downward trend. China shipped a total of 400 kilograms in May, compared with 500 kilograms the previous month. As with dysprosium, South Korea was the main recipient, receiving 350 kilograms, whilst the remaining material was distributed amongst Hungary, Slovenia and Singapore.
Exports Remain Well Above Last Year’s Levels
Despite the month-on-month decline, export volumes for both materials were significantly higher than a year earlier. In May 2025, China recorded no exports of either dysprosium or terbium.
Shortly before that period, Beijing had introduced export controls on dysprosium, terbium and several other rare-earth elements. The resulting licensing system led to substantial delays in export approvals and temporarily brought shipments to a standstill.
Although exports have since resumed, volumes remain well below historical levels, particularly in the case of terbium.
Commenting on the latest figures, Brian Hendrich, Junior Trader & Market Analyst at TRADIUM, said: “The latest export data once again highlight how difficult it is to predict China’s licensing practices. Shipments of individual heavy rare earths such as dysprosium and terbium fell compared with the previous month. At the same time, nearly all exported material was once again destined for South Korea, offering little relief to buyers in other regions. Japan, for example, remains effectively cut off from supplies of both metals. Overall, the data point to ongoing volatility in China’s export behaviour, with market conditions capable of changing rapidly and with little warning.”
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 show signs of stabilising
Exports of permanent magnets from China also edged down slightly in May, falling by eight per cent from April 2026 to 4,730 tonnes.
Despite the month-on-month decline, export volumes remained significantly higher than a year earlier. In May 2025, shortly after export controls were introduced, China exported just 1,238 tonnes of permanent magnets.
Dysprosium and terbium are essential components in high-performance permanent magnets, enhancing both heat resistance and operational efficiency. As a result, they play a critical role in electric vehicles, wind turbines and a wide range of defence-related applications.
