China announces export control measures on certain rare earth-related items

China's Ministry of Commerce, in coordination with the General Administration of Customs, announced on Friday the implementation of export controls on seven types of medium and heavy rare earth elements – including samarium, gadolinium, terbium, dysprosium, lutetium, scandium and yttrium. The new measures take effect immediately.

The move aims to better safeguard national security and interests while fulfilling international non-proliferation obligations, according to a spokesperson from the Ministry of Commerce.

"These items are dual-use in nature, and imposing export controls on them is a common international practice," the spokesperson explained.

"China is willing to enhance external communication and cooperation through bilateral dialogues on export control mechanisms, in order to promote compliant trade," the spokesperson added.