Japan seeks US assistance as China restricts Yttrium exports

Japan is facing a potential shortage of yttrium, a rare earth metal critical to its high-tech industry, due to export restrictions imposed by China. Reports indicate that Japan's yttrium oxide imports from China plummeted from 51,000 kilograms in September 2025 to approximately 4,000 kilograms in September 2026.

To mitigate the impact on domestic manufacturing, the Japanese government has reportedly requested that the United States exert pressure on Beijing to ease these restrictions. The United States is also expected to have an interest in easing the controls, as its own defense industry relies on components manufactured in Japan using this transition metal.

Japanese officials and industry leaders warn that supply shortages could occur as early as the end of the year if the restrictions persist. Meanwhile, global market prices for yttrium have risen significantly following the Chinese export measures. A spokesperson for the Chinese Foreign Ministry stated that the country implements export controls in accordance with existing laws and regulations.