China tightens yttrium supply and Japan seeks U.S. help as inventories run down within months
Japan's inventories of yttrium, a rare earth metal used in aircraft engines, car sensors and chip manufacturing, are shrinking and could prove insufficient within months, according to the Financial Times. Tokyo asked Washington to intervene with Beijing, which since April 2025 has required licences to export products of seven elements in that group, including yttrium. Exports of yttrium oxide to Japan fell from 51,000 to 4,000 kilograms between September 2025 and September 2026.
In 40 seconds
- Japan's yttrium inventories could prove insufficient within months unless China eases exports or alternative supplies emerge.
- China has required export licences for products of seven rare earth elements, including yttrium, since April 4, 2025.
- Chinese exports of yttrium oxide to Japan fell from 51,000 to 4,000 kilograms between September 2025 and September 2026, according to Chinese customs data cited by AFP.
Read the full story at Xataka
IASummary generated by artificial intelligence from a story by Xataka. It may contain errors: the original source prevails.
Comments
Be respectful. Comments reported by several people are hidden until a moderator reviews them.
You do not need an account to read, only to comment. Sign in with a code sent to your email or with your Google account. We only show the name you choose, never your email.