Rare earths: China demands sensitive business data for export licenses

A spokeswoman for the Federal Ministry of Economics and Technology told the newspaper "Welt" that they view "the continuous expansion of Chinese export controls with great concern." The German government is using "all available channels" to address the matter. Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul (62, CDU) had originally planned to address the issue in Beijing, but the foreign minister's trip to China fell through after several cancellations for meetings.

Export controls are already having a significant impact on production in Germany . This is according to a survey conducted by the European Chamber of Commerce in China (EUCCC) among 22 companies in September. According to the survey, only 19 of 141 export applications were approved, resulting in 46 production stoppages in September and likely up to ten more by December.