China quietly issues 2025 rare earth quotas, sources say

China has quietly issued its first 2025 rare earth mining and smelting quotas without the typical public statement, sources with knowledge of the matter said this week, another sign of Beijing tightening its control over the crucial sector.

Why it matters

The quotas are closely monitored as a barometer for the global supply of rare earths, a group of 17 elements used in electric vehicles, wind turbines, robots and missiles. China is the world’s largest producer of the minerals and the government typically issues them twice a year to state-owned companies but they have been delayed this year.