China starts approving rare earth exports, Japanese business group says

TOKYO, June 9 (Reuters) - China has started approving some rare earth exports, a Japanese business group in China said on Monday, indicating an easing of Beijing's curbs on the materials that are vital for Japanese carmakers and other manufacturers.

The Japanese Chamber of Commerce and Industry in China said it asked China's Ministry of Commerce on May 28 to speed up the review process, as Beijing's decision in April to expand rare earth export controls had impacted Japanese companies operating in China.

In response, the ministry expressed "understanding of the situation of Japanese companies" and committed to facilitate smooth business operations, with export approvals now beginning to be issued, according to the group.