China Rare-Earth Product Exports Fall as Japan Spat Draws Focus

China’s rare-earth product exports declined in December compared with the previous month, as investors monitor heightened tensions between Beijing and Japan that could trigger tighter shipment controls.

Outbound flows of the materials — used in electric vehicles, weapons systems and high-tech manufacturing — totaled 6,745 tons, down from 6,958 tons in November, according to customs data released on Sunday. The category is largely dominated by rare-earth magnets, a product that’s provided China with critical leverage in a series of trade disputes that have jolted markets.