Japan Diversifies Rare Earth and Tungsten Supply as China’s May Exports to Japan Remain at Zero

Chinese customs data for May 2026 recorded zero exports to Japan of several key tungsten types as well as the rare-earth elements dysprosium and terbium. A mixed rare-earth customs category posted its lowest rolling three-month volume since 2023. Japan-bound shipments of yttrium registered a small volume in May, yet cumulative levels for 2026 remain far below those recorded throughout 2025.

The downturn follows comments about Taiwan by Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi that angered Beijing late last year. In January 2026 China increased scrutiny of dual-use goods shipped to Japan. Mitsubishi Materials Corp.

Has stated it is sourcing rare earths from alternative suppliers. Tokyo last week joined a Group of Seven pledge to cap reliance on any single country for rare earths at 60 percent, though the group has yet to finalize a detailed implementation plan. The current restrictions remain narrower than the comprehensive 2010 embargo that disrupted Japanese industry.