China’s exports of rare-earth magnets increased nearly threefold in June from the previous month, after the country lifted some export controls on the critical industrial inputs following a deal with the U.

China's exports of two critical minerals used in weapons, telecommunications and solar cells have plunged over the past three months amid a crackdown on smuggling and transshipment that has involved China's top spy agency.

China exported more rare earth elements in June, with shipments to the US rising by 660% on a monthly basis, according to Beijing’s General Administration of Customs. Total exports of the precious metals increased to 3,