China considers rare‑earth export curbs to Japan; Japan still 60% reliant on China

On January 7, 2026, China was reported to be considering tighter rare‑earth export licenses to Japan as tensions over Taiwan persist. Japan still sources about 60% of its rare‑earths from China, and heavy elements such as dysprosium and terbium remain the main supply risk. The move followed a government ban on over 800 dual‑use items for defense‑linked buyers.