The Chinese government has eliminated export quotas on rare earth metals, effective May 1, in compliance with its World Trade Organization obligations.
The Chinese government has eliminated export quotas on rare earth metals, effective May 1, in compliance with its World Trade Organization obligations.
Last year, the United States, European Union and Japan successfully challenged in the WTO that China’s restrictions on these metals, including tungsten and molybdenum, raised costs for American buyers by as much as 300 percent. Rare earth metals are used to manufacture a variety of high-tech components for products such as hybrid car batteries, wind turbines, and energy-efficient lighting.
“We will be closely monitoring China’s actions to ensure that these illegal policies are in fact discontinued and that China fully complies with its obligations,” said U.S. Trade Representative Michael Froman in a statement this week.
China drops rare earth export restrictions
