The situation surrounding the import of magnets and magnetic assemblies from China continues to evolve. The latest updates received from our subsidiary in Ningbo confirm a further tightening of controls by Chinese Customs, with an impact on the time required to complete export procedures and arrange shipments to Europe.
At the same time, new opportunities are emerging on the logistics front, starting with the launch of connections via the Northern Sea Route, the Arctic shipping route that could significantly reduce transit times between China and Europe. Adding to this constantly changing scenario is the anticipated meeting between Donald Trump and Xi Jinping, scheduled for 24 September, which could provide further indications on the future development of trade relations between the United States and China.
More in-depth customs controls for magnets and magnetic assemblies
The information we receive directly from our Ningbo team confirms longer processing times, mainly due to the increased number and greater accuracy of customs inspections.
Checks no longer concern only the technical characteristics of the magnets, but may also require detailed information on their final destination and the industrial application in which they will be used. In some cases, for example, documentation may be requested describing the use of the component and the way in which the magnet is installed inside the motor or system.
To complete the documentation required for export correctly, some customers may therefore be contacted by our team and asked to provide additional technical information relating to their application.
This greater complexity makes it even more important to plan procurement well in advance, taking into account lead times that may be less predictable than in the past.
New shipping opportunities through the Arctic route
An interesting development is also emerging in international logistics. On 9 September, the container ship Dubai Tower, operated by Sea Legend, arrived at the UK port of Teesport after travelling along the Northern Sea Route through the Arctic.
Having departed from Ningbo-Zhoushan on 15 August and subsequently called at other Chinese ports, the vessel completed the connection to Teesport in around 25 days overall, with approximately 20 days of sailing time from the final Chinese port to Europe. This is a particularly interesting transit time when compared with traditional maritime routes via the Suez Canal or the Cape of Good Hope.
For the 2026 navigation season, Sea Legend has also scheduled a series of weekly departures between China and Europe. The Arctic route is therefore becoming a regular commercial connection, although still seasonal for the time being, opening up new prospects for what is often referred to as the “Polar Silk Road”.
Shorter distances and reduced transit times could offer an interesting alternative to traditional routes and decrease exposure to some of the main bottlenecks in international trade. Naturally, several factors still need to be assessed, from weather conditions to economic and environmental sustainability, as well as the geopolitical implications linked to the development of commercial traffic in the Arctic region.
US-China: awaiting a possible Trump-Xi meeting
Another development to watch over the coming weeks will be the possible meeting between Donald Trump and Xi Jinping, announced for 24 September in Washington but not yet officially confirmed by Beijing.
The main issues expected to be on the agenda include trade relations between the United States and China, tariffs and trade restrictions, the regulation of Artificial Intelligence, and some of the most important international geopolitical dossiers.
For the permanent magnet and rare earth sector, it will be particularly important to understand whether the talks could lead to signs of easing tensions on the trade front and with regard to export policies for strategic materials.
Timely information to support procurement planning
In a market where geopolitics, logistics and regulation increasingly have a direct impact on component availability, access to up-to-date information is essential for effective purchasing planning.
Thanks to the direct presence of our subsidiary in Ningbo, Garnet continues to monitor developments in export procedures and shipments from China, maintaining constant contact with suppliers and local partners and supporting customers in their procurement planning.
We will continue to share the most relevant updates on market developments and on the possible consequences for the supply chain of magnets and magnetic assemblies.