OECD Warns of Record Rise in Export Restrictions on Critical Minerals

The OECD’s latest "Inventory of Export Restrictions on Critical Raw Materials" shows a historic increase in measures that limit the flow of minerals essential for digital technologies and renewable energy. Between 2009 and 2024 the number of restrictions more than doubled, reaching a peak in 2024 despite a slowdown in the growth rate.

Around 70% of global cobalt and manganese exports were subject to at least one restriction between 2022 and 2024, and 16% of all OECD‑tracked critical material trades faced similar limits. The report highlights cobalt, manganese, graphite, rare earths, lithium and nickel as the most targeted resources.

Restrictions are increasingly motivated by revenue generation, cited in roughly half of the 2024 cases, and are spreading to more countries, especially in Africa and Asia. India (19% of new measures), China (17%), Argentina (6%), Vietnam (5%) and Burundi (4%) together account for over half of the recent restrictions.

OECD Secretary‑General Mathias Cormann warned that the trend threatens economic growth, innovation and energy security by tightening already concentrated supply chains and pushing prices upward.