China may relax rare earth export curbs for some chip companies

China may relax curbs on exports of rare earths for Chinese and European semiconductor firms and other companies in their supply chain, state media said on Wednesday.

In April, China put seven rare earths and related products on an export control list, forcing all exporters to apply for licences, regardless of the nationality of overseas customers.

While a few licences have since been granted to exporters of rare earth magnets, used in the semiconductor, auto and defence industries, the complex licensing process can take months, and is already…