Hu Xiu·2025-10-09 15:02Core Viewpoint - The Chinese government has expanded export controls on superhard materials, certain rare earth equipment, and lithium battery components, indicating a strategic move to strengthen domestic industry competitiveness and control over critical technologies [2][3]. Group 1: Export Control Scope - The scope of export controls has widened to include dual-use items requiring export licenses, particularly those involving rare earth materials and technologies used in military applications [3]. - Specific items under control include artificial diamond micro-powder, rare earth production equipment, and lithium negative electrode materials [2][3]. Group 2: Focus on Key Areas - Export applications related to military, lethal weapons, and terrorism are generally not permitted, highlighting the government's focus on national security [3]. - The announcement emphasizes controls on technologies related to chip manufacturing and artificial intelligence, particularly for processes involving 14nm logic chips and 256-layer storage chips [3]. Group 3: Technology Control - Export controls now explicitly cover rare earth mining, smelting, and recycling technologies, extending to the assembly, debugging, maintenance, and upgrading of related production lines [4]. - The controls include not just the products but also technical data such as design blueprints and process specifications, indicating a comprehensive approach to safeguarding advanced manufacturing capabilities [4]. Group 4: Industry Impact - The tightening of export controls is expected to significantly impact the rare earth industry, particularly in the deep processing of magnetic materials, ensuring that high-value processes remain within China [4]. - Key companies in this sector include Guangsheng Nonferrous, China Rare Earth, and Northern Rare Earth, with notable players in the magnetic materials field such as Zhenghai Magnetic Materials and Ningbo Yunsheng [4].