Overview
China increased its July 2026 shipments of yttrium oxide to the United States to 29 metric tons, the second‑highest monthly volume recorded since Beijing introduced export controls on rare earths in April 2025.
Impact on U.S. Aerospace
The additional yttrium oxide supplies are intended to ease shortages for U.S. aerospace manufacturers that use the material in engine components and high‑temperature protective coatings.
Additional Rare‑Earth Exports
In the same month, China exported 647 tons of rare‑earth permanent magnets to the United States, representing the second‑largest monthly shipment of such magnets since the export restrictions were imposed.
Continued Restrictions on Japan
China has maintained strict limits on shipments to Japan, having halted yttrium, terbium, gallium and dysprosium exports after remarks by Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi. July marked the ninth consecutive month without dysprosium oxide exports and the eighth month without terbium oxide shipments to Japan.
Geopolitical Context
The export increase occurs ahead of Chinese President Xi Jinping’s scheduled visit to the White House for trade discussions in September, suggesting a possible diplomatic signal.