China's Ministry of Commerce (MOFCOM) has launched its largest recruitment campaign in nearly a decade, planning to add approximately sixty new officials in 2026. According to a MOFCOM announcement, the Bureau of Industry Security, Import and Export Control plans to recruit at least five new staff members in 2026, the highest number since 2022. Despite the current US-China trade war truce, MOFCOM's rare earth control division continues its expansion.
Staffing challenges amid export controls
Due to rare earth export controls, MOFCOM has faced staffing shortages and criticism from foreign companies over delays in license reviews and approvals. Rare earth export controls have become one of China's key bargaining chips in trade negotiations. While China has agreed to suspend its latest rare earth export restrictions for one year, the export control mechanism remains in place. Given the new recruitment drive, China does not appear to be fully retreating from developing a framework to counter US tariffs.
Strategic hiring targets key regions
Among the new openings, MOFCOM is seeking research and diplomacy experts, one from Japan and one from South Korea, respectively. These countries depend heavily on China's rare earths and will be directly affected by any supply controls.
Regulatory uncertainty persists
While China has agreed to pause its October 9, 2025, regulations, it has drawn criticism from Europe and the US for being vague and ambiguous. Additionally, China is not backing down from the export controls on critical minerals in April 2025 and December 2024.
According to the New York Times, only half of the requests for export licenses for rare earth magnets are being approved by MOFCOM. Many factories are struggling to receive adequate shipments from China to maintain operations.
Global supply chain implications
As China seeks to dominate the global rare earth supply chain, the implications reach far beyond a simple tariff response. Critical supply bottlenecks are emerging across key industries, yet China remains determined to leverage rare earths as a strategic bargaining tool in international negotiations.
Article edited by Jerry Chen
