BRICS To Discuss Rare Earth Supply & Exports at 2025 Summit

The BRICS alliance is set to tackle the critical issue of rare earth elements (REEs) supply and exports during its 17th summit in Rio de Janeiro on July 6-7, 2025. For the first time, the 10-member bloc will be joined by 14 partner nations to deliberate on the group's future trajectory, including trade deals, local currency settlements, and expansion.

China, which controls 70% of global rare earth supply and 90% of processing capacity, will dominate discussions. The country recently imposed export curbs on rare earth magnets in retaliation against U.S. tariffs, creating supply chain disruptions and rising global demand. This MOVE positions Beijing to rewrite trade terms for these strategically vital materials.

Brazil's BRICS Ambassador Kenneth Nobrega confirmed China's leading role in the upcoming negotiations, though substantive talks have yet to commence. With BRICS nations controlling 42% of global oil and gas supplies alongside their rare earth dominance, the summit could reshape critical mineral trade flows.