CHINESE RARE EARTH SUPPLIERS HALT SOME U.S. SHIPMENTS Some Chinese suppliers are refusing to ship rare earths to U.S. customers even after receiving export licenses, fearing repercussions from Beijing, Reuters reports. The issue has now moved onto the U.S. agenda ahead of Xi Jinping’s Sept. 24 Washington visit, with Washington pressing China to uphold commitments on smoother export approvals. Supply remains tight in materials critical to defense, aerospace, semiconductors and energy. U.S. yttrium imports from China are still only about half 2024 levels, while some companies have waited more than six months for licenses. Japan is facing even tighter restrictions, with China shipping no terbium to Japan through August, while yttrium exports fell 98% YoY.