Published: October 30, 2025
Executive summary
- China and the U.S. reached a joint arrangement in Kuala Lumpur trade consultations. As part of that package, China will suspend for one year the October 9, 2025 export controls that would have added holmium (and several other rare earths) to the dual‑use control list.
- The April 4, 2025 dual‑use licensing controls (covering Sc, Sm, Gd, Lu, Y, Dy, Tb) remains in force. Those items still require export licenses when exported from China.
- For NdFeB magnets: the planned Nov 8 implementation of new holmium‑related controls is on hold for 12 months. Day‑to‑day shipments of holmium‑containing NdFeB are not subject to the Oct 9 rule during the suspension window; however, existing April 4 rules still apply where relevant.
- Our factories will continue the holmium‑removal program to convert the 13 listed grades to 12 HRE‑free formulations, but we are updating timelines in line with the suspension.
What changed today
- A MOFCOM spokesperson stated that, under the China‑U.S. Kuala Lumpur consultations, China will suspend for one year the export‑control measures announced on October 9, 2025.
- That suspension covers the measures that would have required export licenses for holmium‑related items (including holmium‑containing permanent magnet materials) starting November 8, 2025.
The new holmium rule, due to start Nov 8, is paused for 12 months. It could be reinstated after the suspension unless further agreements are reached.
What did not change
- The April 4, 2025 dual‑use export controls remain active. These require licenses for items related to seven heavy/medium rare earths important to defense applications:
- Scandium, Samarium, Gadolinium, Lutetium, Yttrium, Dysprosium, Terbium.
- Finished downstream products (e.g., complete motors/devices) may be treated differently from magnet materials; we will advise case‑by‑case.
Impact on Adams grades and supply
- The 13 NdFeB grades we flagged as in transition due to holmium are no longer facing a Nov 8 licensing trigger during the suspension.
- Our factories will continue holmium removal/validation for these grades to reduce long‑term regulatory exposure, but we’ll adjust urgency to fit customers’ program needs.
- For open orders, we can proceed under current approvals unless April 4 rules apply for other heavy rare earth content.
Grades in transition (program continues, timelines adjusted for additional testing):
N3514, N3814, N4014, N4214, N4514, N4814, N3517, N3817, N4017, N4217, N3520, N3820, N4020
What customers should do next
- Review open POs and build schedules for the grades above. If you accelerated changes for a Nov 8 cutoff, we can revisit timing during the suspension window.
- Tell us your performance constraints (Br/Hcj/Tmax, tolerances) so we can decide whether to stay on your current grade or move to the 12 HRE‑free variant in a controlled manner.
- Keep compliance documents ready (standard end‑use/end‑user statements). The April 4 regime still applies to Sc, Sm, Gd, Lu, Y, Dy, Tb‑related items.
- Coordinate substitutions: If you’d like to de‑risk future policy shifts, we can schedule pilots for the 12 HRE‑free alternatives now while availability is good.
FAQs
Does this mean holmium can be used freely again?
For the next 12 months, the Oct 9 holmium controls are suspended. Export controls enacted on April 4, 2025 still apply where relevant.
Will Adams still convert the 13 grades to 12 HRE‑free?
Yes. Our factories will keep the program moving to reduce long‑term exposure. We’ll work with you on timing so performance and cost targets are maintained.
Could controls snap back after the suspension?
Yes. We will keep customers informed well ahead of any reinstatement and maintain contingency options.
We’re here to help!
If you need help auditing your current grades/POs against the April 4 rules—or planning a phased move to 12 HRE‑free equivalents—contact your Adams representative. We’ll provide a tailored action plan.
This post updates our earlier blog on holmium‑related export controls. We’ll share more as official notices and implementation details are finalized.