Thu Apr 17 21:37:00 UTC 2025: ## India’s Rare Earth Imports Unaffected by China’s Export Restrictions (for now)

**NEW DELHI, April 18, 2025** – India’s relatively low imports of rare earth elements (REEs) have so far shielded the country from major disruptions caused by China’s recent export restrictions on seven “heavy” REEs, according to trade data. While Beijing has imposed curbs as part of the ongoing US-China trade war, requiring special authorization for export, India’s 2023-24 imports totalled only 2,270 tonnes of REEs and their compounds.

This limited import volume means the impact of China’s restrictions has been felt more acutely by countries like Japan, which hold larger stockpiles built up in anticipation of such measures. However, the development underscores India’s efforts to secure access to critical minerals, particularly REEs, crucial for its growing semiconductor and defense electronics industries.

The Indian government, recognizing the vulnerability of relying on Chinese suppliers, has prioritized the production and import of critical minerals, including REEs, under the National Critical Minerals Mission (NCMM). The NCMM aims to streamline exploration permissions, fund research, and increase mineral block auctions. The Ministry of Mines has previously highlighted the risks associated with geographically concentrated production of critical minerals, citing the Russia-Ukraine war and previous Chinese export restrictions (like those on antimony last year) as examples. While India’s current REE supply appears secure, the long-term goal is to diversify sourcing and reduce dependence on a single supplier.

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