AsianFin -- China’s rare earth exports jumped 23% in May from the previous month, reaching their highest level in a year, even as newly imposed export controls disrupted some overseas shipments and triggered supply chain strains across global manufacturing.

Beijing’s April restrictions on certain types of rare earths and rare earth magnets have already forced parts of the global auto industry to scale back operations. The move was a key point of discussion in a rare phone call last week between the leaders of the United States and China.