Data released on Monday by Chinese customs showed that China exported 3,639.5 metric tons of rare earths last month, down from 4,329 metric tons in April.
Chinese exports of rare earths fell in May amid Beijing’s threat to stop supplying the U. S. with those minerals used to make a wide range of consumer electronics.
Data released on Monday by Chinese customs showed that China exported 3,639.5 metric tons of rare earths last month, down from 4,329 metric tons in April. That came as total exports from China in May unexpectedly rose 1.1%, while imports fell by a surprise 8.5% — taking the country’s overall trade surplus significantly higher to $41.65 billion.
Tensions between China and the U. S. — the two largest economies in the world — escalated last month after President Donald Trump increased tariffs on $200 billion worth of Chinese goods.
