Japan's Minister of Economy, Trade and Industry Akazawa Ryōsei announced a joint G7 statement expressing concern over China's export restrictions on rare-earths [1].
The move signals a coordinated effort by the world's leading industrialized democracies to address vulnerabilities in the global supply chain for critical minerals. Because rare-earth elements are essential for high-tech manufacturing and green energy transitions, these restrictions could disrupt global production of semiconductors and electric vehicles.
Akazawa presented the statement during a press conference on May 23, 2026 [2]. The announcement follows the APEC trade ministers meeting, which took place from May 20 to 23, 2026, in Suzhou, Jiangsu Province, China [3].
The joint statement represents the collective position of the seven G7 member countries [4]. The group specifically highlighted the risks associated with China's controls over the export of rare-earths, and other critical minerals [1].
During the APEC summit in Suzhou, trade ministers discussed various regional trade issues and economic cooperation [3]. The timing of the G7 statement suggests that these discussions coincided with ongoing tensions regarding mineral security and trade dependencies.
Akazawa said the press conference was held to communicate these collective concerns and discuss the broader implications of the APEC meetings [1]. The G7 members are seeking more stable and diversified sourcing of the minerals necessary for modern industrial applications to reduce reliance on a single supplier [1].
“G7 joint statement expressing concern over China's export restrictions on rare-earths”
The G7's coordinated response indicates that the group views China's control over critical minerals as a strategic economic threat rather than a bilateral trade dispute. By issuing a joint statement immediately following an APEC meeting held on Chinese soil, the G7 is leveraging multilateral diplomacy to pressure Beijing to ease export controls, while simultaneously signaling a shift toward diversifying supply chains away from Chinese dominance.
