China eases rare earth exports to EU firms, EU chamber says

China has granted more export approvals of rare earth elements to European companies recently, the European Union Chamber of Commerce in China said on Friday.

The relaxation came after a meeting in late May hosted by the Chinese Ministry of Commerce, where the rare earth controls were discussed among Chinese and European semiconductor firms.

"There has been an increase in the number of export approvals that European companies have obtained," the chamber said in a press release posted on its website.

Though the chamber noted that Beijing has prioritized those considered the most urgent based on input from European industry.

"We are in regular contact with the Chinese authorities on this issue, and are now developing recommendations that we believe could eliminate the volatility that many companies are experiencing, and that will be in the mutual interests of both the EU and China," said Jens Eskelund, president of the chamber.

wangkeju@chinadaily.com.cn