China’s exports of rare-earth magnets and materials to Japan fell sharply in March, raising concerns over potential supply constraints amid worsening bilateral relations. Shipments of magnets dropped 17% month-on-month to about 184 tons, a nine-month low, while exports of intermediate materials such as oxides plunged nearly 90%, according to Chinese customs data. Analysts said tighter export controls on dual-use materials may be starting to affect flows, following heightened tensions after remar

China’s exports of rare-earth magnets and materials to Japan fell sharply in March, raising concerns over potential supply constraints amid worsening bilateral relations. Shipments of magnets dropped 17% month-on-month to about 184 tons, a nine-month low, while exports of intermediate materials such as oxides plunged nearly 90%, according to Chinese customs data. Analysts said tighter export controls on dual-use materials may be starting to affect flows, following heightened tensions after remarks by Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi on Taiwan. The Institute of Energy Economics, Japan noted more data is needed to confirm the trend.