China’s customs authority published its regular export data for August on September 20. Gallium, germanium, and the heavy rare earths dysprosium and terbium once again showed significant fluctuations in some cases. A closer look at the individual raw materials and destination markets reveals a very mixed picture.
August once again demonstrated the volatility of the Gallium and Germanium markets. China's exports of the two technology metals moved in opposite directions. Gallium exports fell from 7,200 kilograms in July to just 350 kilograms, a decline of around 95 percent. The decrease compared with the same period last year was equally pronounced. In August 2026, the entire export volume went to the Republic of Korea. In July, Germany had still been the largest destination.
For germanium, by contrast, China’s customs authority reported just under 2,800 kilograms, the highest monthly figure of the year. This was more than 80 percent higher than in July and more than 130 percent above the level recorded a year earlier. As in recent months, Russia was the largest destination, followed by Germany and Türkiye. One notable exception was a small shipment to Japan. The country’s supply situation under intense pressure, for months due to Beijing’s trade restrictions, with Japan receiving only limited shipments of both raw materials.
Dr. Christian Hell, Senior Manager Germanium and Minor Metals: “At first glance, the germanium export figures are surprisingly high. But once you take a closer look at the destination countries, the picture quickly changes. By far the largest share once again went to Russia. This means that significantly too little material remains available for the global market. The small shipment to Japan is also noteworthy, after China further tightened its export controls toward the country at the beginning of the year. But this does not change the overall picture: High export volumes do not necessarily mean that a lot of material is available on the global market.”
Exports of germanium from China to various countries: The largest share went to Russia, followed by Germany and Türkiye.
Since summer 2023, the export of certain gallium and germanium products from China has been subject to authorisation. In April 2025 dysprosium, terbium, and other rare earth elements were added. Export volumes can therefore fluctuate significantly from month to month. In addition, these markets are comparatively small, meaning that even individual larger shipments can have a significant impact on monthly figures.
Heavy Rare Earths: Dysprosium Drops Sharply, Terbium Increases
A similar picture can be seen for the heavy rare-earth elements dysprosium and terbium: While exports of one metal fell sharply, exports of the other increased significantly. In August, China exported just over 800 kilograms of Dysprosium , compared with almost 11,300 kilograms in July. Shipments were divided almost equally between the Republic of Korea and Portugal. In the previous month, the entire export volume had gone to the Republic of Korea.
With Terbium exports, by contrast, increased by more than 70 percent to around 2,250 kilograms. At 2,000 kilograms, by far the largest share once again went to the Republic of Korea. Despite the increase in terbium exports, the latest data show that export volumes for both heavy rare earths remain significantly below their respective levels from a year earlier.
Brian Hendrich, Raw Materials Analyst: “The export figures show month after month how strongly China’s licensing system affects the global supply situation. Neither dysprosium nor terbium leaves the country without an export license. Beijing therefore sets the pace: It determines when material reaches the global market, in what quantities, and where it is shipped. Strong fluctuations in exports of important rare earths such as dysprosium and terbium are the result. This leaves the global market with very little room to breathe.”
China Export Control Monitor: In August 2026, exports of germanium and terbium increased. The volume of gallium and dysprosium exported fell, whilst exports of rare-earth magnets remained stable.
Significantly Less Volatile: Rare Earth Magnet Exports
Compared with the raw materials mentioned above, Export of permanent magnets are significantly more stable. In August, China exported just over 5,000 metric tons of rare earth magnets, almost seven percent less than in the previous month. As in July, Germany remained the most important destination, receiving just over 1,000 metric tons, almost twice as much as the Republic of Korea. The United States, Vietnam, and India followed. Rare earth permanent magnets are used in applications including electric motors, wind turbines, and modern electronics.
