Policy & Regulatory Updates
Critical policy changes, export controls, and regulatory developments affecting rare earth supply chains
U.S. proposes price floor contracts for NdPr and heavy rare earths to counter predatory pricing
The U.S. Department of Energy is developing "Contract for Difference" agreements to guarantee minimum prices for domestically produced NdPr oxide and heavy rare earths, aiming to eliminate the financial risk that has stalled Western refinery investment.
Australia commits AUD$2.1B to Critical Minerals Development Fund expansion
The Australian government announces major expansion of the Critical Minerals Development Fund, targeting rare earth separation and heavy rare earth projects to compete with Chinese dominance.
U.S. State Department launches FORGE initiative for supply chain coordination
The United States State Department has launched the Funding for Ore Refining and Global Extraction (FORGE) initiative, a diplomatic forum aimed at coordinating international critical mineral supply chains.
China extends export license requirements for heavy rare earth clays
China's Ministry of Commerce has expanded export licensing requirements to include all heavy rare earth clay concentrates, significantly tightening control over critical dysprosium and terbium supplies.
U.S. proposes $2.5 billion Strategic Resilience Reserve for mineral stockpiling
Congress is considering the Strategic Resilience Reserve legislative bill, which would allocate $2.5 billion for critical mineral stockpiling and domestic processing infrastructure.
Vietnam enacts rare earth export licensing system effective immediately
Vietnam's National Assembly has passed comprehensive export controls requiring government approval for all rare earth mineral exports, reshaping Southeast Asia's critical minerals trade.
China tightens export licenses for dual-use rare earth magnet technologies
Effective Jan 2026, China implemented Announcement No. 1 [2026], tightening export licenses for dual-use rare earth magnet technologies, specifically targeting exports to Japan.
EU Critical Raw Materials Act: New environmental standards for imported magnets
The European Union's Critical Raw Materials Act introduces stringent environmental and social governance requirements for rare earth magnets imported into the EU, effective July 2026.