China has granted rare earth export licenses to some firms, commerce ministry says

BEIJING: China's commerce ministry said on Thursday (June 19) that "a certain number" of rare earth export license applications had been approved, but declined to give further details such as the exact amount and how many had been extended to U.S. firms.

"(China) has approved a certain number of compliance applications in accordance with the law, and will continue to strengthen the approval of compliance applications," He Yadong, a ministry spokesperson told a regular news conference in Beijing.