The customs authority's figures for October show how differently exports are developing.
Since April 2025, the export of various rare earths from China has been subject to trade restrictions. These include dysprosium and terbium, both of which are important additives for high-performance magnets. The effects of the export regulations are clearly reflected in the latest data from the Chinese customs administration. For example, only 3,501 kilograms of dysprosium left the country in October, a decrease of more than 80 per cent compared to September. South Korea received the majority of the shipments (2,701 kilograms), while other exports went to Estonia (500 kilograms) and Japan (300 kilograms).
Development of Chinese dysprosium exports from October 2024 to October 2025.
Development of Chinese terbium exports from October 2024 to October 2025.
Development of Chinese exports of rare earth magnets between October 2024 and October 2025.
US market benefits from high terbium supply
The picture for terbium is completely different: exports rose significantly in October, reaching 12,200 kilograms, the highest monthly figure of the year, after only 4,450 kilograms had been exported in September. Of this, 6,000 kilograms went to the USA. This is the largest monthly quantity the country has received in ten years. A further 5,200 kilograms of terbium were delivered to Japan and 1,000 kilograms to Estonia.
Despite the significant increase, terbium values in the current year remain around 20 per cent below the previous year's level.
Jan Giese, Senior Manager Minor Metals and Rare Earths, assesses the situation as follows:
„The current export data on heavy rare earths such as terbium and dysprosium show once again that the circle of buyer countries is clearly limited. Not every player has access to relevant quantities of material. Against this backdrop, the most recent delivery of around six tonnes of terbium to the USA is particularly noteworthy, as it contradicts the previous pattern. This is because no exports of other critical raw materials such as gallium, germanium, dysprosium or praseodymium to the United States have recently been registered.“
Rare earth magnets: Above previous year's level despite a setback in October
The regulations for rare earths in force since April also affect the export of permanent magnets. As it is not clear from the customs codes whether these magnets contain rare earths that are subject to restrictions, the authorisation procedures that have been in place since spring have been delayed. Following a sharp decline in exports, foreign trade has stabilised since the summer. There was a slight setback in October compared to the previous month, but the level was still above that of October 2024.
