Nikkei Asia: US Urges China to Resume Rare Earth Exports to Japan
The Trump administration is urging China to resume rare earth exports to Japan, fearing disruption to the global supply chain for Japanese high-tech products. China tightened export controls after Japan PM Takayuki Suga's 'Taiwan contingency' remarks, with March and April exports dropping 88% and 82% year-on-year.
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- 📰 Published: June 9, 2026 at 14:30
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Nikkei Asia reported today that the Trump administration is urging China to resume rare earth exports to Japan, as the United States grows increasingly concerned about the dwindling global supply of Japanese high-tech products that rely on these critical raw materials.
After Japanese Prime Minister Takayuki Suga made remarks about a 'Taiwan contingency' last November, China imposed several countermeasures against Japan, including stricter controls on the export of dual-use items, covering thousands of items including rare earths. In March and April of this year, China's rare earth exports to Japan plummeted by 88% and 82% respectively compared to the same periods last year.
According to Nikkei Asia, multiple US and Japanese diplomatic sources said that US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent expressed concerns to Chinese Vice Premier He Lifeng during a meeting in May about China's restrictions on rare earth exports to Japan, demanding that China prevent disruption to the global supply chain for high-tech products.
The report also stated that the issue of China's export restrictions on Japan was discussed during the G7 finance ministers' meeting in May. A senior US government official said the matter would also be on the agenda of the G7 leaders' summit to be held in France from June 15 to 17.
The report said that Japan's continued lack of rare earths could affect the US economy. Japan is a leading producer of advanced medical diagnostic equipment, and any disruption in supply between Japan and China could make it more difficult for the US to obtain such equipment.
US diplomatic sources did not reveal how China responded to the US request. A Japanese diplomatic source said that China has not reduced its pressure on Japan, and that Japan needs to continue coordinating with the US and strengthen diplomatic negotiations with the Chinese government.
After Japanese Prime Minister Takayuki Suga made remarks about a 'Taiwan contingency' last November, China imposed several countermeasures against Japan, including stricter controls on the export of dual-use items, covering thousands of items including rare earths. In March and April of this year, China's rare earth exports to Japan plummeted by 88% and 82% respectively compared to the same periods last year.
According to Nikkei Asia, multiple US and Japanese diplomatic sources said that US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent expressed concerns to Chinese Vice Premier He Lifeng during a meeting in May about China's restrictions on rare earth exports to Japan, demanding that China prevent disruption to the global supply chain for high-tech products.
The report also stated that the issue of China's export restrictions on Japan was discussed during the G7 finance ministers' meeting in May. A senior US government official said the matter would also be on the agenda of the G7 leaders' summit to be held in France from June 15 to 17.
The report said that Japan's continued lack of rare earths could affect the US economy. Japan is a leading producer of advanced medical diagnostic equipment, and any disruption in supply between Japan and China could make it more difficult for the US to obtain such equipment.
US diplomatic sources did not reveal how China responded to the US request. A Japanese diplomatic source said that China has not reduced its pressure on Japan, and that Japan needs to continue coordinating with the US and strengthen diplomatic negotiations with the Chinese government.
FAQ
Why did the US urge China to resume rare earth exports to Japan?
The US is concerned that a shortage of Japanese high-tech products (e.g., medical equipment) could negatively impact the US economy.
Why did China restrict rare earth exports to Japan?
As a countermeasure to Japanese Prime Minister Takayuki Suga's remarks about a 'Taiwan contingency'.
How will this issue be addressed at the G7?
It was discussed at the G7 finance ministers' meeting and is expected to be a key agenda item at the leaders' summit.