China on Thursday signaled openness to talks with India over its export restrictions on rare earth materials, saying it is willing to strengthen dialogue and cooperation with relevant countries to help maintain stable industrial supply chains.

Beijing’s recent curbs on the export of critical metals have disrupted manufacturing sectors globally, including in India, impacting industries such as automotive and semiconductor production.

“We are willing to enhance dialogue and cooperation with relevant countries and regions to jointly keep the stability of global industrial and supply chains,” Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lin Jian told PTI when asked whether China plans to lift its export restrictions on rare earth metals to India, especially as it has started approving export licences to the US and the EU.

While offering no direct assurance, Lin reiterated that specific details should be addressed by the relevant Chinese authorities.

Meanwhile, India’s Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said it is in contact with Chinese counterparts to ensure greater predictability in the supply chain, in line with international trade norms.

“We have been in touch with the Chinese side, the Chinese Ministry of Commerce and general administration of customs in early April, as you would be aware, had announced the decision to implement export controls on certain rare earth-related items.

“We are in touch with the Chinese side, both here in Delhi as also in Beijing, to bring predictability in supply chain for trade, consistent with international practices,” MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal told reporters in response to a query on Thursday.

On June 16, Indian Ambassador Pradeep Kumar Rawat met with Chinese Vice Minister Sun Weidong to discuss a range of bilateral issues, including shared concerns, PTI quoted a statement from China’s foreign ministry.

The meeting comes amid growing alarm in India over shortages of rare earth metals, crucial for the automotive, electronics, and renewable energy sectors.

Reports from India have highlighted industry-wide disruptions stemming from China’s recent export restrictions on these critical materials.

China, which holds a dominant position in the global rare earths market, has recently begun selectively clearing export licences, particularly to the United States, following two days of high-level trade talks in London.

The move came as both nations agreed to ease tensions, with US President Donald Trump declaring on Wednesday that a trade deal with China “is done.”

Rare earth elements, comprising 17 metallic elements, are vital for the production of magnets, batteries, and high-tech devices.

While these metals are found in multiple countries, their extraction is expensive and environmentally hazardous, often leaving China as the preferred global supplier.

According to the International Energy Agency, China accounts for 61% of global rare earth mining and 92% of processing output.

Although China has opened dialogue with the US and EU to address concerns over supply shortages, it has yet to publicly respond to India’s request for similar talks.

In response, India’s Ministry of External Affairs said it is engaging with the Chinese side to ensure stability and predictability in trade supply chains.

Meanwhile, an Indian industry delegation, comprising representatives from the auto sector, is reportedly preparing to visit China to secure rare earth magnet imports for domestic manufacturers, sources in New Delhi said.

With inputs from agencies