Check the classification before the quantity
USGS's 2025 critical-mineral methodology distinguishes rare-earth trade categories and describes assumptions needed to allocate mixed categories to individual elements. That is evidence that classification boundaries cannot be ignored when analysing trade totals.
Record the reporting country, classification year, code length, description and quantity unit. A broad international heading may be less specific than a national statistical subdivision. Use current official tariff resources or a customs professional for actual classification decisions; this is a research method, not customs advice.
USGS: Critical mineral supply-disruption methodology (2025) ↗
Keep customs categories separate from physical identity
A category can contain multiple products, and a trade partner field does not necessarily identify the mine, converter or ultimate manufacturer. Check the publisher's definitions for origin, consignment, re-export and reporting period before drawing an industrial conclusion.
Compare like with like across countries and dates. A change in code structure, reporting coverage or quantity basis can resemble a market shift. Preserve revisions and missing values rather than filling them with zeros. For company research, use trade evidence to generate a question and seek a named relationship in supporting disclosures.
An illustrative routing error
Suppose imports under a broad magnet category rise from a trading hub. It would be premature to conclude that the hub's magnet factories increased production by the same amount. The flow may involve different products or routing. Investigate the category and reporting definitions, then look for the physical production evidence before adding a facility or relationship to your map.
Trade data fields worth retaining
| Field | Why it matters |
|---|---|
| Code and year | Categories can change or be broader than your product |
| Partner definition | Origin and shipment route may differ |
| Quantity basis | Value, gross mass and contained material are distinct |
Your review checklist
- Read the full category description.
- Retain code version and reporter.
- Do not infer a facility from a country flow.
- Corroborate named routes with other evidence.
Investigate with Oreline
Oreline provides facility and source context for investigating a trade-data hypothesis. Use its researched operations and disclosed relationships to examine the physical chain behind a statistical pattern, without treating the platform as a live customs database.
Follow the evidence through the supply chain.
Explore Oreline’s guided investigations. No account required.
Explore the sandbox →Frequently asked questions
Can one HS code identify all NdFeB trade precisely?
That depends on the country, year and statistical detail. Check the applicable classification rather than assuming universal precision.
Does a shipment prove a long-term supplier relationship?
No. A transaction or aggregate flow does not by itself establish a recurring agreement or exact facility route.