The Ministry of Commerce (MOFCOM) set quotas for the first round of 2011 rare earth export on December 28. Head of the Department of Foreign Trade of MOFCOM stated that in order to facilitate the normal trade of rare earth, MOFCOM issued quota for first round of rare earth export in 2011 as usual when the yearly quotas are not decided.

Relevant departments are in consultation on yearly rare earth export quotas for 2011, which will be decided after evaluating domestic output and demand at home and abroad, as well as requirements for sustainable development, the Head said, it would be issued once decided. It is not proper to calculate yearly quotas based on quotas set for the first round of export.