China approves limited rare earth exports to Japan under stricter dual-use controls

Exam-focused facts from the 7 February 2026 current affairs briefing.

Key facts

China has approved several rare earth exports to Japan under its new dual-use export control regime.
Japanese firms confirmed export licences were granted but volumes remain below previous levels.
China requires detailed supply-chain disclosure, including final re-export destinations, from Japanese importers.
Heavy rare earths such as dysprosium and terbium face the strictest scrutiny under the controls.
Nomura Research Institute warned prolonged delays could cause annual production losses exceeding ¥2.6 trillion ($17 billion), shaving 0.43% off Japan’s GDP.
Japan’s deep-sea drilling vessel Chikyu retrieved rare-earth-rich mud from 6,000 m near Minamitorishima Island, a world first hailed by Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi.