ICYMI:China tightens full-chain control on strategic minerals to bolster national security

While the Trump tariff war has entered a tentative ceasefire, China is not stepping back.

China has announced a sweeping effort to enforce tighter export controls on strategic minerals, reinforcing national security through what officials describe as “full-chain management.” The Ministry of Commerce confirmed that the crackdown will span every stage of the supply chain—from mining and smelting to processing, transportation, manufacturing, and export—with an emphasis on preventing illegal outflows.

The move follows a national meeting in Changsha attended by senior officials from ten central government agencies and representatives from seven mineral-rich provinces, including Inner Mongolia and Jiangxi. The meeting highlighted the need for integrated supervision across all links of the supply chain, calling for robust traceability systems, stronger customs inspections, and routine management mechanisms to detect and address risks early.

Authorities have pledged strict enforcement, with both central and local governments tasked with stepped-up oversight. Local jurisdictions are being directed to fast-track the registration and monitoring of businesses involved in strategic minerals, while companies are being urged to improve compliance awareness. Violators of the new measures will face severe penalties, according to the Ministry.

Strategic minerals such as rare earths, lithium, graphite, and tungsten are critical for producing semiconductors, electric vehicle batteries, military hardware, and clean energy technologies. Tighter Chinese controls are likely to strain global supply chains, raise costs for manufacturers, and intensify competition among countries seeking to secure stable, non-Chinese sources of these vital materials.

This article was written by Eamonn Sheridan at www.forexlive.com.