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GeopoliticsMediumUpdated•Originally published 4 September 2026•Updated 4 September 2026•
2 min read

Some Rare-Earth Suppliers in China Refuse to Send Shipments to the United States, Fearing Beijing Repercussions

Key Facts

1Some suppliers in China are declining to send rare-earth shipments to customers in the United States for fear of Beijing repercussions, according to 3 sources.
2Chinese sanctions on the Responsible Business Alliance took effect on August 5, and the order covered 6 U.S. entities.
3Xi Jinping is scheduled to visit Washington on September 24, with rare earths on the U.S. agenda.
4China shipped 27 tonnes of yttrium to the United States in July after two months with no shipments, while this year's exports remained at about half the 2024 level.

Some rare-earth suppliers in China are declining to send materials to customers in the United States because they fear repercussions from Beijing, Reuters reported, citing 3 sources. The available evidence does not show a blanket export halt, but decisions by an undetermined number of suppliers.

A handful of suppliers began refusing to send shipments to the United States in early August after China sanctioned the Responsible Business Alliance, a U.S. supply-chain monitor. The Chinese order took effect on August 5 and named the organization among 6 U.S. entities with which organizations and individuals in China were barred from conducting relevant transactions or cooperation.

One person with direct knowledge cited 4 refusals linked to concerns that materials could later reach prohibited users. Reuters also reported that other companies had stopped sending shipments to the United States in recent months to avoid geopolitical entanglements, but it could not determine the total number of suppliers or the volume affected.

The decisions are occurring in a market already facing tight supplies of some sensitive materials. Reuters reported that prices for yttrium, indium phosphide and tungsten—used in military applications or industries including aerospace and chipmaking—remained near record highs, while licence delays were also affecting medical devices and energy.

Although Chinese yttrium exports to the United States have risen this year, they remain at about half their 2024 level. China shipped 27 tonnes to the United States in July after two months with no shipments, while some U.S. companies have been waiting more than 6 months for mineral licences.

Rare earths are now part of U.S. preparations for President Xi Jinping's visit to Washington on September 24. Washington is pressing Beijing to ensure the flow of export licences, while China's foreign ministry told Reuters that China remained committed to maintaining global critical-mineral supply chains.

Attention before the visit will center on the pace of licence issuance and implementation of existing commitments. Reuters reported that several U.S. companies recently received multiple licences and that some expect more approvals around the summit, indicating a selective but persistent disruption rather than a blanket ban or a settled market direction.