New customs figures show China exported 4,386 metric tons of rare earths in October, a 2.7% increase from the 4,269.8 tons reported for September. The data, published by the General Administration of Customs, also indicate the October volume was up marginally - by 1% - from the 4,343.5 tons exported in the same month of 2025.
The rare earths referenced are the group of 17 minerals that the customs data describe as essential inputs for electric vehicles, wind turbines and defence technology. While October registered a month-on-month rise, the broader picture for 2026 through October remains one of lower exports year-on-year.
Across the first ten months of 2026, cumulative exports amounted to 48,097 tons. That figure represents an annual decline of 8.7% compared with the same ten-month period in 2025. The data note that this year-on-year drop has narrowed slightly relative to the year-to-date change reported through the first nine months of the year - a 9.6% annual decline recorded over January-September.
The customs totals provide a snapshot of cross-border shipments of these 17 minerals, with the October figures marking a modest rebound from September's level while the year-to-date aggregate remains below last year's pace.
Key points
- October exports increased 2.7% month-on-month to 4,386 metric tons, up from 4,269.8 tons in September.
- October 2026 shipments were 1% higher than October 2025, which recorded 4,343.5 tons.
- January-October 2026 exports totaled 48,097 tons, an 8.7% year-on-year decline, narrowing from a 9.6% fall over January-September.
- Sectors directly referenced as linked to these minerals include electric vehicles, wind turbines and defence technology.
Risks and uncertainties
- Ongoing annual declines in exports - the year-to-date drop of 8.7% - introduce uncertainty for industries cited as reliant on these minerals, including electric vehicles, wind power and defence technology.
- Month-to-month variability in shipments is evident - October rose 2.7% from September - indicating near-term volatility in export flows.
- The customs figures capture export volumes but do not, in the published data, detail other factors such as domestic consumption or stockpiles, which constrains the ability to assess broader supply dynamics from the export numbers alone.
These customs statistics offer a measure of export activity for the 17 designated rare earth minerals, showing a modest monthly recovery in October set against a continuing year-to-date decline in 2026.