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EU says it discussed rare earth supply stability with China, including general licences

Published by Global Banking & Finance Review

Posted on November 4, 2025

1 min read

· Last updated: January 21, 2026

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EU says it discussed rare earth supply stability with China, including general licences
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BRUSSELS (Reuters) -EU and Chinese officials in a meeting last week have discussed how to maintain supply of rare earths on which Beijing imposed controls in April, including possible general licences

EU says it discussed rare earth supply stability with China, including genera...

EU-China Meeting on Rare Earth Supply

BRUSSELS (Reuters) -EU and Chinese officials in a meeting last week have discussed how to maintain supply of rare earths on which Beijing imposed controls in April, including possible general licences, the European Commission said on Tuesday.

Discussion Points

The White House said on Saturday that China will issue general licences for export of rare earths, gallium, germanium, antimony and graphite for the benefit of U.S. end users and their suppliers. The EU has not secured the same benefit.

Licensing Facilitation Measures

The EU and Chinese officials meeting on Friday had, however, discussed how to maintain rare earth supply chain stability and committed to further engage on licensing facilitation measures, "including discussing general licences".

(Reporting by Philip Blenkinsop and Bart Meijer)

Key Takeaways

  • EU and China discussed rare earth supply stability.
  • China imposed controls on rare earth exports in April.
  • General licences for rare earth exports were a key topic.
  • The EU seeks similar export benefits as the US.
  • Further engagement on licensing facilitation was agreed.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are rare earths?
Rare earths are a group of 17 chemical elements used in various high-tech applications, including electronics, renewable energy technologies, and military equipment.
What is a general license?
A general license is a regulatory approval that allows specific activities or transactions without the need for individual applications or permits.
What is supply chain stability?
Supply chain stability refers to the consistent and reliable flow of goods, services, and information throughout the supply chain, minimizing disruptions.

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