[SMM Flash: Japan's Sojitz Begins Importing Medium-Heavy Rare Earth from Australia] On October 30, Japanese trading company Sojitz Corporation revealed that it has started importing heavy rare earth from Australia's Lynas Corporation to Japan. The imported heavy rare earth consists of medium-heavy rare earth varieties produced by Lynas using Australian rare earth ore at its separation plant in Malaysia, marking Japan's first import of such products from the company. This move will further promote the diversification of Japan's rare earth supply chain, ensure stable supplies of rare earth raw materials, and reduce dependence on Chinese raw materials. As early as 2011, Sojitz signed an exclusive distribution agreement with Lynas for light rare earth products, followed by multiple loans and equity investments in Lynas. In 2023, Sojitz, together with energy agency Jogmec, signed an offtake agreement worth A$200 million (approximately $132 million) with Lynas, aimed at securing procurement of 65% of Lynas's dysprosium and terbium production.