Mr Yan Jian spokesman of the Ministry of Commerce said that national rare earth exports totaled 32,200 tonnes in the first 9 months Mr.

Rare earth exports to Japan increased 167% YoY to 16,000 tonnes and exports to America grew 5.5% to 6,200 tonnes respectively accounting for 49.8% and 19% of China’s total rare earth exports. The average shipment price was USD 14,800 per tonne.

National rare earth exploration volume fell 25% YoY in 2010. The central government imposed export duties of 15% to 25% on rare earths and prohibited exports of raw rare earth ore as well as 40 rare earth products. The measures are intended to improve environmental protection and slow the consumption of exhaustible resources. There are 32 enterprises certified on rare earth exports, 10 of which are foreign funded.

(Sourced from www.capitalvue.com)