New data from the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) shows export restrictions for critical raw materials are becoming increasingly widespread as demand surges, driven by the green and digital transitions and rising concerns over economic security.<\/p>\n
The OECD’s Inventory of Export Restrictions on Industrial Raw Materials provides annually updated data on the scope, type, and evolution of export restrictions across 65 industrial commodities and 82 producing countries.<\/p>\n
The 2025 edition, covering developments through the end of 2023, shows that export restrictions on industrial raw materials increased more than fivefold from 2009. This trend accelerated markedly in 2023 when over 500 new raw mineral products were affected by at least one export restriction. The growth rate of new export restrictions was more than double that of 2022 and nearly triple that of 2021.<\/p>\n
This trend reflects broader shifts in the global landscape, with heightened geopolitical tensions and growing strategic competition.<\/p>\n
The types of trade measures used are also evolving. While export taxes and licensing requirements remain the most common, recent years have seen a sharp increase in quantitative restrictions such as export prohibitions and quotas. Since 2019, export bans have become increasingly prominent, reflecting more assertive policies and efforts to retain value domestically.<\/p>\n