Policy & Regulatory Updates
Critical policy changes, export controls, and regulatory developments affecting rare earth supply chains
The Caremag Protocol: France and Japan Bridge the Heavy Rare Earth Gap
France and Japan have formalised a Critical Minerals Roadmap anchored by Caremag — the first industrial-scale heavy rare earth separation facility outside China, located in Lacq, France. Japan has secured a 20% offtake of Dysprosium and Terbium oxides, while USA Rare Earth will supply feedstock from Texas, creating a Triangular Corridor for HRE supply.
The End of Cheap Magnetics: China's 45% Price Hike and the Sulphuric Squeeze
China Northern Rare Earth Group has announced a 45% price hike for Q2 2026, signalling a shift from market-share dominance to revenue maximisation. Simultaneously, China is tightening sulphuric acid supply — the key reagent for rare earth leaching — creating a double squeeze on non-Chinese refineries.
The Vietnam Pivot: How Export Bans are Building a New Processing Powerhouse
The $60M Lynas - LS Eco Energy cross-investment deal to build a rare earth metal plant in Vietnam is the first major "post-ban" victory for Vietnam's industrial policy - proving that Hanoi's export ban is successfully forcing a reorganization of the global magnet supply chain.
The Canberra Consensus: How the EU-Australia FTA Reshapes the Critical Mineral Map
Today's signing of the Australia-European Union Free Trade Agreement in Canberra marks the most significant expansion of the "Western Mineral Bloc" since the formation of the G7 Alliance—ending eight years of agricultural disputes to forge a new strategic partnership anchored in critical minerals.
The $110 Floor: Japan and Lynas Rewrite the Rules of Rare Earth Policy
Lynas and Japan Australia Rare Earths (JARE) have finalised a supply deal to 2038 featuring a US$110/kg NdPr floor price—a landmark Sovereign Price Protection mechanism that structurally decouples Tier-1 rare earth producers from Chinese benchmark pricing.
Australia Joins G7 Critical Minerals Alliance as PM Carney and PM Albanese Ink Landmark "Middle Power" Pact
In a historic address to the Australian Parliament, Canadian PM Mark Carney confirmed Australia's entry into the G7 Critical Minerals Production Alliance. The deal merges the strategic stockpiling efforts of both nations and targets a unified "Green Premium" for ESG-compliant minerals.
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.
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.
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.
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.