China’s rare earth exports surge to 7,338 tons in August ahead of Xi-Trump call

China’s rare earth exports surge to 7,338 tons in August ahead of Xi-Trump call [https://invezz.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/China.webp] Bloomberg reports, China’s exports of rare-earth products surged to a record high in August, rising to 7,338 tons, according to customs data. The increase marks the largest monthly shipment volume since early 2012. The data comes just before a scheduled phone call between Chinese President Xi Jinping and US President Donald Trump, which is expected to cover trade tensions and critical materials. Rare earths are vital in producing consumer electronics and defence equipment, making them central to ongoing trade negotiations between the world’s two largest economies. RECORD EXPORTS AFTER EARLIER CONTROLS The August figure represents a dramatic rebound from earlier this year, when China imposed controls on rare earth shipments as the trade conflict with the US intensified. Those restrictions caused exports from the world’s top producer to collapse, creating uncertainty in global supply chains. Rare earth elements, which include high-performance magnets, are essential in manufacturing smartphones, electric vehicles, wind turbines, and fighter jets, underscoring their strategic importance. China’s decision to boost shipments in August…