China expands rare-earth quotas to include imported ore

China tightened oversight of its rare-earth sector by updating the quota framework governing mining, smelting, and separation of the 17 elements.\nThe new rules, announced by the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology, bring imported raw materials into the existing quota system, following public consultation that began earlier this year.\nThe move signals a tighter grip on supply chains used in magnets for EVs, wind turbines, lasers, and defense applications.\nAnalysts say including imported ore expands the scope of regulatory control and could constrain feedstock availability for downstream producers.\nThe policy continues Beijing’s pattern of managing rare earths as strategic assets, adding imported materials to export restrictions and increasing visibility into capacity allocation.\nPreviously, quotas for 2025 were issued with limited public notice; current guidance underscores ongoing central planning of mining, smelting, and separation capacity.\nCompanies have warned that tighter quotas could push up prices or complicate sourcing, especially for firms dependent on foreign-sourced ore and refined products.\nThe Chinese regime aims to balance domestic need with security concerns while maintaining influence over a market that has global ramifications for electronics, automotive, and renewable-energy supply chains.