China's rare earth exports down nearly 18% in September
Beijing
CHINA'S rare earth exports in September fell 17.9 per cent from August, customs data showed on Monday, amid lingering fears that the world's top producer of the minerals will restrict supply because of its trade row with the United States.
China, the world's largest rare earth exporter, sold 3,571 tonnes of rare earths in September, figures from the General Administration of Customs of China showed.
This was down from 4,352 tonnes in August. The volumes also fell 27.9 per cent from 4,950 tonnes in September 2018.
China has raised the prospect of limiting rare earth exports to the United States in retaliation for US tariffs, although it has not publicly announced any restrictions.
US Commerce Secretary Wilbur Ross went last week on an official visit to Australia, home to Lynas Corp, the only major rare earths producer outside of China, as Washington seeks to shore up alternative sources of supply.
In the first nine months of 2019, China's rare earth exports, which can fluctuate widely, came in at 36,398 tonnes, down 9 per cent from the same period last year. REUTERS
BT is now on Telegram!
For daily updates on weekdays and specially selected content for the weekend. Subscribe to t.me/BizTimes
Energy & Commodities
India's Vedanta misses Q4 profit estimates on lower prices
BHP targets Anglo American in bid valuing miner at US$39 billion
China's Sinopec charts global expansion with refinery in rival India's backyard
Gold trades in tight range as market focuses on US economic data
Oil settles lower as US business activity cools, concerns over Middle East ease
Orsted says Taiwan wind project to power TSMC on track for 2025 finish