Japanese Manufacturers Face Fresh Threat on Chinese Export Curbs

China’s ban on exports of products with potential military use to Japan marks an escalation in the diplomatic spat between the countries that could disrupt global supply chains for high-tech components.

Tighter export controls for certain medium and heavy rare earth–related items are also being considered by Beijing, according to state-run China Daily, a step that could deliver another blow to manufacturers in Japan, which relies on China for 70% of its rare-earth imports.