China Hits "Pause" On Rare-Earth Export Controls And What It Means For Supply Chains

China's decision to pause several newly announced rare-earth and critical-mineral export controls marks a significant, although temporary, shift in the global supply-chain landscape. Through the Ministry of Commerce of the People's Republic of China (“MOFCOM”) Announcements No. 70 and No. 72 (2025), Beijing has suspended both the October rare-earth restrictions and the U.S.-specific dual-use licensing requirements that were set to tighten dramatically in 2025–2026. While framed as a confidence-building step following recent U.S.– China diplomatic engagement, the suspension offers industries dependent on rare earths, advanced magnets, and battery materials a brief window to reassess sourcing strategies, secure licensing where available, and prepare for the likelihood that controls may return once broader geopolitical calculations evolve.