China’s Ministry of Commerce (MOFCOM) says its new rare-earth export controls are lawful national-security steps — not blanket bans — and that licenses shall be issued for eligible civilian commerce, in accordance with a spokesperson’s Q&A posted on X Sunday morning native time.
Uncommon earths — a gaggle of 17 components utilized in permanent-magnet motors for electrical automobiles (EVs) and wind generators, protection electronics and different high-tech gear — occupy an outsized function in provide chains as a result of China dominates the sector.
Beijing accounts for roughly 70% of worldwide manufacturing and about 90% of processing and refining; so licensing shifts can ripple downstream even when mining or closing manufacturing occurs elsewhere.
In remarks printed solely hours in the past, the MOFCOM spokesperson framed the Oct. 9 motion — taken with the Basic Administration of Customs — as a part of an extended effort to “refine” China’s export management system according to home regulation and non-proliferation obligations.
The spokesperson cited the army relevance of medium- and heavy uncommon earths and stated companions had been notified upfront by way of bilateral export-control dialogue mechanisms.
Implementation, the ministry stated, will hinge on licensing slightly than prohibition.
Opinions shall be carried out underneath regulation, licenses shall be granted the place purposes qualify, and Beijing is “actively contemplating” facilitation measures — together with potential basic licenses and license exemptions — to advertise professional commerce.
The spokesperson additionally stated China had assessed the measures’ results forward of time and expects the broader supply-chain impression to be “very restricted.” The message to business customers was express: compliant civilian exports “can get approval.”
Responding to Washington — whereas leaving room for talks
MOFCOM additionally addressed President Donald Trump’s feedback from Oct. 10 on Reality Social about a further 100% tariff on Chinese language imports (turning into efficient Nov. 1, 2025) and potential U.S. export controls on “important software program.”
The spokesperson referred to as the American place a “double normal,” pointing to the breadth of U.S. management lists and de minimis guidelines as examples of Washington’s expansive method.
On the similar time, the ministry emphasised course of, saying China “doesn’t need” a commerce battle however “isn’t afraid” of 1, and urging a return to established session channels to handle variations on a reciprocal foundation. The spokesperson stated China would take “resolute measures” to guard its pursuits if the U.S. proceeds.
Separate feedback criticized U.S. port charges as a consequence of take impact Oct. 14 on sure Chinese language-linked vessels.
MOFCOM described these charges as unilateral and inconsistent with WTO guidelines and bilateral agreements. China, the ministry stated, will levy particular port charges on U.S.-linked vessels underneath home rules — characterizing the step as a defensive countermeasure geared toward safeguarding the rights of Chinese language corporations and sustaining truthful competitors in delivery.
As of Sunday, 9:15 a.m. UTC, in accordance with CoinDesk Information, bitcoin traded round $111,271, down 0.5% previously 24 hours and 10% from Thursday’s Oct. 9 intraday excessive of $123,641. The Crypto Worry & Greed Index learn 24 — “Excessive Worry” — versus “Greed” per week in the past, underscoring fragile sentiment.
