China’s Rare Earth Exports to Japan Show Marked Drop

China’s exports of rare-earth magnets and materials to Japan fell sharply in March, as souring relations between the Asian nations heighten concerns about a potential supply squeeze.

Volumes of magnets shipped to Japan in the month fell 17% from February to a nine-month low of about 184 tons, according to data from China’s customs administration released on Monday. Volumes of intermediate materials including oxides slumped by nearly 40%.