The European Union is facing fresh uncertainty over China’s rare earths export controls, as Brussels struggles to interpret conflicting signals from Beijing and Washington. While China has announced a temporary suspension of its strictest measures, the United States claims that all restrictions have effectively been lifted—leaving the EU unsure of what to expect.
EU Still Seeking Clarity on China’s Suspension
According to Commission trade spokesperson Olof Gill, the EU’s current understanding is that China plans to postpone the new export restrictions for one year for all trading partners, including the European Union. These October rules would have required export licences for products containing even trace levels of rare earth elements and would have effectively banned shipments for military use.
But Gill emphasized that the EU has not yet received firm confirmation that it is fully covered by the suspension.
“Our understanding is that the Chinese suspension applies to the entire world,” Gill said, noting that Brussels is still in active discussions with Beijing to clarify the details.
Earlier restrictions introduced in April—targeting 7 of the 17 rare earth elements—are still expected to remain in place, raising further concerns for European manufacturers.
Beijing–Washington Meeting Raises More Questions
The confusion intensified following the high-profile meeting between U.S. President Donald Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping. The session was hailed as a diplomatic breakthrough, easing tensions that had surged since Trump’s return to the White House.
Afterward, China’s commerce ministry announced a 12-month suspension of the October restrictions and promised to “refine specific plans” for the strategic minerals used in crucial technologies such as electric vehicles, radars, fighter jets, computers, and other high-tech equipment.
Meanwhile, a White House fact sheet claimed China would now issue general export licences for rare earths and other critical minerals—effectively rolling back the recent controls.
“The general licence means the de facto removal of controls China imposed,” the White House stated.
EU Welcomes the Pause—but Wants Guarantees
European and Chinese trade officials met in Brussels shortly after the suspension announcement. According to joint readouts, the EU welcomed the move as “appropriate and responsible” for maintaining global supply chain stability in a sector where China dominates 70% of global mining and 90% of refining.
EU Trade Commissioner Maroš Šefčovič later said that China had confirmed the suspension applied to the EU. But neither side has addressed the earlier April restrictions, which have already forced multiple EU and U.S. industries to delay or halt production.
Brussels Pushes for a Stable Supply Chain
With contradictory signals coming from Beijing and Washington, the Commission is continuing high-level talks to secure clarity.
Gill stressed the EU’s priority:
“We want a stable and reliable supply of rare earth minerals and other critical inputs from China to the EU.”
Given China’s overwhelming control of the global rare earths supply chain, ensuring predictability is essential for Europe’s tech, automotive, defence, and clean energy industries—sectors that depend heavily on these strategic metals.
