China tightens screening of Japan-bound rare earth exports

BEIJING/SHANGHAI - China has tightened screening of Japan-bound exports of rare earths and other rare metals since earlier this month, with authorities demanding additional paperwork including detailed supply chain information, amid a bilateral diplomatic feud over Taiwan, trade industry sources said Saturday.

They said it is feared the measure, introduced after China strengthened control of dual-use item exports to Japan on Jan. 6, will cause significant delays in shipments of the critical minerals used in such high-tech items as electric vehicles and semiconductors.