War games: China and Japan draw battle lines in rare earths quarrel

摘要

Chinese industry officials claimed in November that no embargo has been placed on exports of rare earths to Japan, despite a drop in trading figures coinciding with allegations of political tension between the two countries. During the nine months from January to September 2012, China exported a total of 9,967 tonnes of rare earths to international buyers, according to China Customs statistics. The figure represents less than a third of the full year quota of 30,996 tonnes, and a decline of 11.5% year-on-year. The drop is thought to be worth around $702m and is expected to be the lowest in a decade, according to industry commentators.