WTO to Investigate Chinese Curbs on Rare-Earth Exports

World Trade Organization judges will probe China’s export quotas and tariffs on rare earths, tungsten and molybdenum following complaints by the U.S., the European Union and Japan that the curbs break global commerce rules.

China says the limits are designed to protect dwindling natural resources and the environment. China produces more than 90 percent of the world’s rare earths, 17 chemically similar metallic elements used in the defense, renewable-energy and electronics industries by companies such as Ford Motor Co.