Rare Earth Materials Export Control from China

PMW Dynamics, Alton, UK - 17th April 2025 – In the last few days China has introduced export control requirements on some rare earth materials produced in China and exported globally. It is reported that this action is in part due to the continuing trade and import tariffs “negotiations” between Washington and Beijing.

Since many high-performance magnets, used in the majority of permanent magnet motor designs, contain what have become export controlled rare earth materials, and since such materials are processed almost exclusively in China, high performance and high temperature neodymium magnets will now be included as part of this export control programme.

PMW Dynamics anticipate compliance with the export controls creating extended delivery lead times as thousands of export licences are processed. Some organisations are reporting expectations of up to 45 days delay, at least whilst the new controls are implemented.

PMW Dynamics are keeping this development under close observation and will update our customers as this topic develops over the coming weeks and months. We will do everything possible within our control to mitigate any delays to our customers and their equipment build programmes that incorporate our motors.

For further details, please contact Jon Howard, Managing Director

As an addendum to the text above, below is a complete list of the rare earth elements with export restrictions as categorised by the Chinese Ministry for Export ...

Light Rare Earth Elements (LREE)

La (Lanthanum), Ce (Cerium), Pr (Praseodymium), Nd (Neodymium), Pm (Promethium)

Medium Rare Earth Elements (MREE)

Sm (Samarium), Eu (Europium), Gd (Gadolinium), Tb (Terbium), Dy (Dysprosium)

Heavy Rare Earth Elements (HREE)

Ho (Holmium), Er (Erbium), Tm (Thulium), Yb (Ytterbium), Lu (Lutetium), Sc (Scandium), Y (Yttrium)