Insight
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March 27, 2025
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3 minute read
What impact will Myanmar’s export tax have on rare earth prices?
Earlier this week, the Kachin Independence Army (KIA), which seized control of key mining sites in Myanmar late last year, reportedly told miners in Kachin state it will allow shipments of existing rare earth inventories to China from today, but it will levy a tax of 35,000 yuan ($4,800) per tonne of material, Reuters reported.
Exports from Myanmar to China plummeted from September through December of last year and have since been volatile in 2025 to-date.
Mining operations came to a near standstill in October following the KIA’s takeover yet Chinese customs data shows that rare earth concentrate exports from Myanmar to China have continued, albeit at reduced levels, presumably from existing inventories.
