China Rare Earth Export Value Jumps 61.1% Despite Volume Decline in H1 2026

China’s export value of rare-earth ore and metals surged 61.1% year-on-year in the first half of 2026, even as shipment volumes declined, according to data from the General Administration of Customs. Exports totaled 30,482.841 tonnes from January to June, down 6.4% from the same period last year. However, earnings rose sharply to USD 308.269 million, up from USD 191.299 million, signaling higher per-unit pricing or a shift toward more valuable processed forms.
In June alone, China shipped 5,104.838 tonnes of rare-earth products worth USD 64.644 million. The figures highlight China’s dominant position in the global rare earth market, which is critical for electronics, defense, and green energy technologies. Analysts suggest the trend reflects Beijing’s strategy of leveraging supply constraints to boost revenue.
Other export categories showed similar patterns. Refined petroleum product volumes fell 13.2% but value rose 14.5% to USD 20.334 billion. Medical exports increased 8.5% in volume and 12% in value. Mechanical and electrical product exports grew 24.5% in value, while high-tech exports rose 38.5% to USD 604.155 billion.

Article source: beijingbulletin.com | Image credit: Shanghai Metals Market (SMM)