China May Ban Rare Earth Tech Exports on Security Concerns
- Ban on raw materials to U.S. unlikely unless tensions deepen
- Technology viewed as a more powerful weapon in a trade war
Photographer: Nelson Ching/Bloomberg
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China may ban the export of rare-earths refining technology to countries or companies it deems as a threat on state security concerns, according to a person familiar with the matter.
The Chinese government is currently conducting a review of its rare-earths policy. Officials view the technology needed to refine and purify the raw materials as a more powerful weapon in protecting state interests than the actual minerals, and is looking at banning sales of the technology to some countries or companies, according to the person, who asked not to be identified because the information isn’t public.