China Jan-Feb rare earth exports up nearly 30% y/y

China’s rare earth exports rose 28.8% in the first two months of 2021 from a year earlier, customs data showed on Sunday, as consumers were able to stock up on material without the pandemic disruptions that slammed shipments in early 2020.

Exports from China, the world’s top producer of the group of 17 minerals used in military equipment, consumer electronics and catalytic converters, totalled 7,068 tonnes in January and February combined, up from 5,489 tonnes a year earlier, the General Administration of Customs said.