BEIJING - China's exports of rare earths in July fell 8% from the corresponding month a year ago, data from the General Administration of Customs showed on Sunday.

Exports of the group of 17 minerals from the world's largest producer stood at 3,637.10 tonnes last month, down from 3,955.40 tonnes in July last year, the data showed.

The number also marked a month-on-month decline of 14.7% from the 4,265 tonnes exported in June.

For January to July, China shipped out 29,865.90 tonnes of the minerals, up 7.5% year on year.

(Reporting by Siyi Liu and Emily Chow. Editing by Gerry Doyle)