Japan Requires China to Resume Rare Earth Export

Japanese Minister of Economy, Trade and Industry Akihiro Ohata said on Sunday he required vice chairman of Chinese National Development and Reform Commission Zhang Xiaoqiang to improve rare earth export procedure during the meeting on Thursday in Tokyo. Mr. Ohata also warns Chinese reduction of rare earth export quota impacts heavily on Chinese electronics production. He said Mr. Zxhang said China is willing to improve the export situation while the government tries to secure resource and environment through the lower quota.

Mr. Ohata also asked to Chinese vice minister of commerce Jiang Yaoping to improve the rare earth export during their meeting on Sunday. Mr. Jiang said China already consumed half of rare earth resources and the remaining only half of the resource could be consumed in 10-15 years at the current consuming pace. Mr. Ohata required to Mr. Jiang to revise the drastic reduction of the export quota and suggested Japanese technology to develop alternative material and efficient recycling system could contribute to the longer resource life.

Mr. Ohata complained Chinese government should improve the rare earth export procedure when export shipping for private contracts with official approval was stopped due to all-piece check at customs. Chinese official said the government tries to improve the procedure while the check is not for Japanese contract but for all destinations in order to prevent smuggling.

Mr. Ohata said he also tries to discuss with Chinese official for rare earth issue during East Asia Summit meeting in Vietnam in the week.