🧲 Rare-Earth Magnet Restrictions: What You Need to Know to Secure Your Supply Chain

In recent months, rare-earth magnet exports from China have come under increased scrutiny, leading to significant restrictions, longer lead times, and rising uncertainty for global buyers. If your business relies on rare-earth magnets, especially high-performance grades like N52 or materials containing Dysprosium (Dy), Terbium (Tb), or Gadolinium (Gd), it's time to re-evaluate your sourcing strategy.

🚫 New Export Controls from China

Due to recent regulatory changes by the Chinese Ministry of Commerce and Customs, many types of rare-earth magnets now require special export licenses. The approval process is lengthy (often taking over 45 business days), complex, and not guaranteed. In some cases, certain grades such as N-grade magnets that include small traces of restricted elements are completely blocked from export, even if production is complete and paid for.

What’s more, the permitted combinations of rare-earth materials seem to be evolving weekly. One week Gd was not restricted — now it is. This unpredictability adds another layer of complexity to your purchasing decisions.

⚠️ What Materials Are Affected?

The most impacted magnets include:

• NdFeB (Neodymium Iron Boron) magnets containing:

  • Dysprosium (Dy)

  • Terbium (Tb)

  • Gadolinium (Gd)

• High N Grades (e.g., N50H, N52M), often used in demanding applications

These materials are widely used across industries like clean energy, EV motors, sensors, audio equipment, and industrial machinery.

📉 Impact on Timelines, Pricing, and Supply

If your rare-earth magnet supplier is located in China, your next shipment could be delayed indefinitely — even if the order is already produced. And if export is eventually allowed, prices may increase due to:

• Additional certification and composition testing (often $500+ per batch)

• Extended warehousing and handling fees

• Potential reprocessing with alternative materials

✅ What You Can Do Now

1. Review your current supply chain.

Understand which of your projects depend on restricted rare-earth magnets and determine if delays or redesigns are acceptable.

2. Secure remaining stock.

We currently hold inventory of some high-demand grades. First come, first served.

3. Explore alternatives.

We’re actively working with manufacturers developing magnets using modified compositions with minimal or no restricted elements. These may offer a viable path forward for critical applications.

📞 Don’t Wait — Talk to Us Today

We understand the uncertainty and frustration. That’s why we’re committed to providing you with timely updates, realistic lead times, and alternative options wherever possible.

👉 Contact us now to secure your stock, get updated timelines, or explore suitable replacements.