China has been flexing its control over the mining and refining of minerals by adding metals essential for clean energy, chipmaking and defence to its export control list, disrupting global supply and sending prices soaring.
Through its export licensing system, Beijing gets a direct say over who gets what, and how much.
Below is a description of how the system works and how easy it is to get an export license.
WHAT IS THE CONTROL LIST AND WHAT MINERALS ARE ON IT?
Since 2023, China has restricted the export of at least 16 minerals and related products. Earlier this month, it added seven rare earths to that list as part of its retaliation against hefty U.S. tariffs.
China's export control law justifies including items to safeguard its national interest, security and work towards non-proliferation.
Export controls aren't unusual and the United States has a similar program.
WHAT IS THE PROCESS TO GET A LICENSE?
Exporters are required to furnish six sets of documents, including profiles of end-users. That requirement in particular has led some importers to stop buying from China as they consider the information commercially sensitive.
Once submitted, a decision can involve a minimum of five officials spread across up to three agencies, including sometimes the State Council, China's cabinet.
Customers also need to shoulder some of the administrative burden. Importers and end-users need to sign declarations which, among other things, commit them not to transfer the product to a third party without China's permission.
Earlier this month, South Korean companies were reportedly warned by China not to sell equipment containing Chinese rare earths to U.S. defence companies.
China's Ministry of Commerce did not respond to Reuters' request for comment.
HOW LONG DOES IT TAKE TO GET A LICENSE?
The Ministry of Commerce says forty-five working days, although it reserves the right to take longer if the state council or military has to be consulted. It does not say when that is required.
The Commerce Ministry's official working hours are from 8:30 am to 5:00 pm Beijing time, including a two-and-a-half-hour lunch break.
However, industry sources tell Reuters it takes two to three months, or longer, to get a license.
One rare earth trader said it would be "especially hard" to get licenses for U.S. clients during the trade war.
