Description
Critical raw materials are under pressure as export restrictions surge globally – reshaping trade, supply chains and economic security. Discover the OECD’s latest 2026 findings and what they mean for the future.
This video presents key insights from the OECD Inventory of Export Restrictions on Critical Raw Materials 2026. Restrictions have increased fivefold since 2009, with 16% of global trade now affected. Exposure is highest for strategic minerals with around 70% of cobalt and manganese exports, 47% of graphite and 45% of rare earth elements facing constraints. These measures tighten supply, raise volatility and risk fragmenting global markets.
Presented at the OECD Critical Minerals Forum, the analysis highlights growing use of restrictions across a wider range of countries and the urgent need for co-operation, transparency and diversified supply to support stable global growth.
Speakers
Mathias Cormann | Secretary-General, OECD
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H.E. Prof. Dr. Ömer Bolat | Minister of Trade, Republic of Türkiye
https://www.linkedin.com/in/prof-dr-%C3%B6mer-bolat-91593a1b0/?isSelfProfile=false
Marion Jansen | Director of the Trade and Agriculture, OECD
https://www.linkedin.com/in/marion-jansen-585064146/?isSelfProfile=false
moderator:
Elisabeth Schoeffmann | Deputy Head of Division and Head of Media and Social Media Unit, OECD
Chapters
00:00 Opening & Introduction
00:00:39 OECD Secretary-General Opening Remarks
00:00:48 Global rise of critical minerals demand
00:01:15 Export restrictions trends – 15 years increase
00:01:53 Impact on cobalt, manganese and supply chains
00:02:40 Consequences for investment and markets
00:03:17 Effects on clean and digital technologies
00:03:40 Policy solutions – open markets and co-operation
00:04:36 OECD tools and Critical Minerals Forum purpose
00:05:35 Minister Bolat Opening Statement
00:06:21 Importance of OECD inventory and transparency
00:07:01 Critical raw materials as strategic assets
00:07:45 Growing uncertainty in supply
00:08:20 Data highlights on critical minerals
00:09:01 Shift towards stricter measures
00:09:23 Economic risks and global fragmentation
00:10:09 Need for co-operation and diversified supply
00:11:43 Transition to OECD expert presentation by Marion Jansen
00:12:13 OECD data methodology and context
00:13:32 Countries driving new restrictions
00:15:00 Sector focus – ores, minerals, waste and scrap
00:16:10 Rise of severe restrictions and export bans
00:17:09 Report access and OECD tools
00:17:40 Q&A session begins
00:18:03 Journalist question – Türkiye and supply role
00:18:56 OECD response – diversification and leadership
00:20:19 Minister Bolat response
00:24:00 Zoom question – restrictions exposure and imports
00:24:35 Ms Jansen response
00:25:15 Closing remarks
What you will learn in this report launch replay
1. What is the main trend in export restrictions on critical raw materials?
Export restrictions have increased steadily for 15 consecutive years and are now 5 times higher than in 2009. This reflects a long-term structural shift affecting global trade and supply.
2. How much of global trade in critical raw materials is affected?
Around 16% of global trade in critical raw materials is now affected by at least one export restriction, showing a significant and growing impact on global markets.
3. Which critical materials are most exposed to export restrictions?
Exposure is highest for key materials used in energy and technology, with around 70% of cobalt and manganese exports affected, along with high levels for graphite and rare earth elements.
4. What are the main economic impacts of export restrictions?
Export restrictions reduce available supply, distort investment, increase price volatility and weaken supply chain resilience, ultimately undermining security of supply.
5. What solutions are proposed to address these challenges?
The OECD highlights the need for open and predictable markets, stronger international co-operation, diversified supply sources and better policymaking tools to support stable global supply chains.
