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China expanded rare-earth export rules, now requiring foreign firms to get Beijing’s approval to ship magnets containing even trace China-origin materials or technology—mirroring the U.S. foreign direct product rule. Analysts say Beijing has adopted U.S.-style tools since 2018, including an Unreliable Entity List and an anti-foreign sanctions law. This year, after Donald Trump returned to the White House, China matched new tariffs, blacklisted U.S. companies, and tightened mineral controls, leading to a pause in magnet shipments. Experts warn that what looks like reciprocity could be seen as escalation.

Prepared by Christopher Adams and reviewed by editorial team.