China grants rare earth export licenses to 3 U.S. automakers

China has issued temporary export licenses to rare earth suppliers working with General Motors, Ford, and Stellantis, easing some pressure from recent export curbs, Reuters reported, citing two unnamed sources.

Some of the licenses are valid for six months, but it's unclear how much material is covered or whether the move signals a broader shift in policy.

Beijing’s export restrictions on rare earths—critical for electric vehicles, semiconductors, and defense tech—have disrupted global supply chains. China controls about 90% of global rare earth production.

Reuters noted that GM and Ford declined to comment, while Stellantis confirmed it's working with suppliers to keep production stable. Ford reportedly paused SUV production in Chicago in May due to shortages.

The report follows Reuters coverage of a new Chinese tracking system for rare earth magnets, aimed at cracking down on smuggling and tightening export oversight.

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