Apparently you can’t find a lot of neodymium magnets on Aliexpress anymore as China banned exports of certain rare earth minerals and magnets as part of the trade war. I’m guessing sooner or later, the Bambu store would also be affected.
As a maker - you can stock up, but as a creator - if you design something that uses magnets that no one can buy later (at reasonable prices), then you just won’t get any downloads.
Background:
I guess we shouldn’t design with magnets till this blows over? Thoughts?
Let’s keep the conversation pragmatic and apolitical.
Bambu printers have magnets in them. Does that mean printers are done for exports? lol.
In reality, at least the current one, the price didn’t change for magnets. So … nothing is changed? After all, China is not the only manufacturer, albeit the biggest one.
You may not know this but the PRC produces about 90% of all the neodymium magnets. The other 10% mostly come from Germany and Japan, using Chinese neodymium. (China also produces 80% of all raw neodymium).
It might be difficult to “just buy from somewhere else”.
No, the PRC’s export ban is global and they make 90% of the magnets and 80% of the material to make the magnets. I can buy magnets NOW as traders outside of the PRC have stock, but they cannot easily restock.
China has stopped exporting rare earths to everyone, not just the U.S … In the meantime, shipments of rare earths have been halted at many ports, with customs officials blocking exports to any country, including to the U.S. as well as Japan and Germany, sources told the Times. China’s Ministry of Commerce issued export restrictions alongside the General Administration of Customs, prohibiting Chinese businesses from any engagement with U.S. firms, especially defense contractors.
It’s to prevent the US breaking sanctions, and to force others to place pressure on the US.
“The export curbs include not only mined minerals but permanent magnets and other finished products that will be difficult to replace, analysts said.”
“The move, which affects exports to all countries, not just the U.S., is the latest demonstration of China’s ability to weaponize its dominance over the mining and processing of the critical minerals.”
Banned or controlled isn’t a huge difference. Either way it means rare earth magnets will be in short supply if this situation continues.
The point is that China knew they had this pressure point and they are now using it. As long as this lasts, hobby magnet uses will likely be impacted as elements get funneled into critical uses.
Another user that is getting iced out is elon musk and his robots. He needs specialized motors that apparently he can’t get now.
First, I have said in another post this very day (which you can probably easily find in my forum profile) that I am currently boycotting US product. Are you accusing me of being pro-America?
Secondly I am a Singaporean temporarily living in Europe, though it’s harder for me to prove that. But given this, I am very certain that I understand the Asian market given our geographical location and the fact that half the country speaks Mandarin.
This is the most recent PRC regulation I could find
Ministry of Commerce (of Peoples Republic of China) General Administration of Customs Announcement No. 18 of 2025, 4 April 2025 商务部 海关总署公告2025年第18号 公布对部分中重稀土相关物项实施出口管制的决定
This is an export control on (amongst other things) high strength permanent magnets containing the specific materials listed.
It appears that low strength or low temperature magnets (those not containing significant quanties of the above) would be unaffected, but I cannot find a definition of the percentage and I don’t think the magnet shops can either, as we’re seeing shortages and price rises starting to take effect, even in NdFeB which should theoretically not be affected.
Export control means exporters must apply for a license for any sale leaving China.
(I’m not an expert in this subject, my main relevant skill is that I know what a chemical element is, and I can read English and Mandarin)
Neodymium is not on the “ban” list. Neodymium magnets are still the strongest with the highest bhmax. So no, “strong magnets” will not be affected. This makes the original premise wrong. Note that none of the articles cite any actual source, just vague mentions.
SmCo magnets are most heat resistant, and Dy/Tb doped neodymium magnets are the typical high temp magnets that would be used on a print bed for example. Sm, Dy, Tb are now restricted (dual use blah blah).
As far as the PRC lists are concerned, as of now hobbyists will not be affected when it comes to standard neodymium magnets.
This is an announcement from China’s Ministry of Commerce: Link.
This is a customs consultation response regarding export issues for related products: Link.
It may also explain why many AliExpress magnets have stopped being exported. It could be due to concerns about risks from Sellers or their logistics service providers.
Since Maker’s Supply hasn’t delisted magnets and trade war tensions are easing, I guess their magnets may only face customs checks, but I don’t think there’s a risk of supply interruptions.
