China Extends Rare Earth Export Pause as Yttrium Restrictions Persist

Key Facts

China extended the pause on its comprehensive October 2025 rare earth export controls until January 10, 2026. OilPrice reported that yttrium remains restricted under separate licensing rules established in April 2025, maintaining supply chain leverage despite the broader extension.

The decision follows Chinese trade data released on November 10, 2026, which showed exports rising 35.2% and imports increasing 41.6% year-over-year. According to Pillsbury law firm, the continued enforcement of the April rules renders the extension of the October measures a minor concession, as critical heavy rare earths remain under strict oversight.

China is scheduled to release industrial production and retail sales data on November 16, 2026, which will provide further insight into the performance of manufacturing sectors dependent on these strategic raw materials.