China Jan.-Sept. Rare Earth Exports to Japan Up 2.6-Fold

Beijing, Nov. 16 (Jiji Press)--China's cumulative exports of rare earth minerals to Japan in January-September rose 2.67-fold from a year before to 16,000 tons, a Commerce Ministry spokesman said Tuesday.
The figure accounts for about half of China's total amount of rare
earth exports in the period, which stood at 32,200 tons, the spokesman, Yao
Jian, said at a press conference.
Criticism over the Chinese government is growing as China's customs
clearance for rare earth exports to Japan has been stalled following the
early September collisions between a Chinese trawler and Japanese patrol
ships near disputed East China Sea islands. Rare earths are key minerals
used in a wide range of high-tech products.
By announcing the data, Beijing appears to be trying to fend off
criticism of its policies.
According to Yao, China plans to reduce rare earth exports in 2010
by 39 pct from the previous year.
China exported some 50,000 tons of rare earths last year. If
Beijing goes forward with its plan, China's rare earth exports this year
will total some 30,000 tons, a figure already reached at the end of
September.
Yao's comments therefore suggest that China cannot export any more
rare earth minerals this year.