China's export controls continue to have a significant impact on the global supply of the two heavy rare earth elements.
In April, China sharply increased its exports of dysprosium once again. New customs data show that 11,046 kilograms of the heavy rare earth material were shipped abroad. This represents an increase of nearly 40 per cent compared with both the previous month and the same period last year. All exported volumes were delivered to South Korea.
Exports of terbium, meanwhile, declined slightly. After reaching 653 kilograms in March, outbound shipments fell to 500 kilograms in April. The only destinations were Austria, South Korea, and Vietnam.
Volumes Still Well Below Last Year's Levels
Despite the recovery in dysprosium exports, shipment volumes for both rare earth elements remain significantly below last year's figures. Since April 2025, both terbium and dysprosium have been subject to strict Chinese export restrictions.
These materials are used to enhance the performance of rare earth permanent magnets and are therefore essential for a wide range of industrial applications.
Development of dysprosium exports in recent months
Development of terbium exports in recent months
Development of exports of rare earth magnets in recent months
Sharp Increase in Magnet Exports
Exports of rare earth magnets themselves also eased slightly in April, declining by two per cent month over month to 5,126 metric tonnes. Compared with the same period last year, however, export volumes have nearly doubled.
Certain types of rare earth magnets are likewise covered by the Chinese export controls introduced in April 2025, particularly those containing dysprosium and terbium. Customs codes, however, do not allow for differentiation based on the specific composition of the magnets.
