China-Japan rare earth spat curbs exports

Stock image. China’s threats this week to restrict rare earths exports to Japan could harm the Japanese economy and manufacturers, which heavily depend on China for supplies of the critical minerals.China’s Ministry of Commerce announced Tuesday a ban on the export to Japan of dual-use items that have civilian and military applications, the state-run China Daily reported.But Beijing is also considering curbs on export permits for some rare earth-related products, according to the Daily.The move appears to b ...