China has approved "a certain number" of export permits for rare earth elements and related items, its commerce ministry spokesman said on Thursday.

Beijing’s export controls on critical magnets highlight its leverage in trade talks as US automakers and defence companies scramble for supplies.

Automakers are having to find ways to work around the cutback, such as using older technology that is more costly and less efficient, moving some parts manufacture to China, removing certain special features that need magnets such as adjustable seats and high-end speaker systems,