China’s Rare-Earth Magnets Exports to Japan Soften in December

China’s December exports of rare-earth magnets to Japan eased from a record high in the previous month, as investors monitor trade volumes for signs that Beijing may be restricting flows of critical materials amid deepening tensions with Tokyo.

Shipments of the magnets — used in products like electric cars and consumer goods — fell 8% from November to 280 tons, according to China’s customs administration. That’s still the second-highest haul on record, and the volumes historically fluctuate widely from month to month.