While China has eased some restrictions on the export of light rare earth magnets, manufacturers across sectors continue to face delays in supplies. Industry executives said that the slowdown stems from stricter inspections introduced to ensure that heavy rare earth magnets are not mixed with lighter grades during export.
Chinese authorities have stepped up scrutiny following reports that some exporters were mis-classifying or mixing magnet grades to bypass restrictions on heavy rare earths. As part of the new compliance process, every consignment of light rare earth magnets must undergo certification and testing to confirm it is free from heavy elements.
“The additional testing and paperwork have slowed down shipments,” said an executive with a domestic automotive component maker. “Authorities are being very cautious, and even minor discrepancies can hold back consignments.”
Industry sources added that the limited number of approved testing facilities in China is contributing to the delay. Each batch must pass inspection before being cleared for export, creating a bottleneck as exporters queue for verification.
For original equipment manufacturers, most of whom procure magnets through intermediaries rather than directly from Chinese producers, the lag has translated into longer lead times and uncertainty in delivery schedules.
Although supply is expected to stabilise once exporters adjust to the new inspection regime, industry executives said the current slowdown underscores how dependent global manufacturers remain on ChChinarare earth supply chain.