China exported 2,196 metric tons of rare earth in April, a 28% rise from March, a Hong Kong-based China customs data provider said Tuesday.

The data from the China Customs Statistics Information Center, which uses China government data, indicate bargain hunting may be reviving global demand for rare earth, a group of metals used in high-technology applications such as mobile phones and defense systems.

The country exported 6,112 tons of rare earth in the first four months of this year, double the volume a year earlier, CCS said.

Still, global rare-earth prices remain weak. The value of China's exports was 63% lower on year in the first four months, reaching $136 million, it said.