World Economy

Beijing Pledges Continued Rare Earth Shipments to Europe Regardless of U.S. Trade Outcome

China will maintain rare earth exports to Europe even if a U.S. trade agreement expires in January, according to Commerce Ministry spokesperson He Yadong. Beijing said it remains willing to approve rare earth licenses for European buyers going forward. The commitment follows a meeting between European Trade Commissioner Maroš Sefčovič and Chinese Commerce Minister Wang Wentao in Beijing last week. China proposed using a "green channel" mechanism to expedite rare earth deliveries to the bloc. Beijing also requested European support for Chinese imports in dual-use sectors. The pledge comes as trade tensions between Brussels and Beijing have eased. A U.S.-China trade suspension negotiated in October 2025 was extended through January, raising concerns about export restrictions. European Commission leadership is reviewing negotiation details this week.