Rare Earth Page 28
by Paul Mason
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HEADLINE: CHINA, JAPAN DEBATE RESTRICTIONS ON RARE EARTH EXPORTS
SOURCE: PEOPLE’S DAILY, 30 AUGUST 2010.
STARTS: China cut its export quotas for rare earth by 72 percent for the second half of this year, according to data from the Ministry of Commerce released on July 8. Shipments will be capped at around 8,000 metric tons, down from roughly 28,000 tons for the same period a year ago.
Japanese officials told their counterparts that the lower quotas could have a major effect on global industry and demanded early action on easing them. Chinese Commerce Minister Chen Deming said China’s restrictions on the rare earth industry will assist in protecting the environment.
ENDS