China's commerce ministry announced new controls on the export of rare-earth technologies and items on Thursday, adding to regulations on a critical industry that has been a key source of tension between Beijing and Washington.

China is the world's leading producer of the minerals used to make magnets crucial to the auto, electronics and defence industries. It has required licences for certain exports of the materials since April, hitting global manufacturing sectors.

Rare earths have been a major sticking point in recent trade negotiations between China and the United States, with Washington accusing Beijing of slow-walking export licence approvals.

The new controls -- which kick in immediately -- mean exporters must obtain permission for technologies used for rare-earth mining and sme

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