** Shares of medical equipment maker GE Healthcare GEHC.O decline 7.1% to $66.90 before the bell

** Beijing announces controls that will restrict exports of some medium and heavy rare-earth metals including gadolinium

** Gadolinium is used as a contrast agent that helps improve clarity of MRI scans

** GEHC, which was spun off from conglomerate General Electric in 2023, makes MRI machines

** Sales of GEHC's MRI scanners are recorded under its imaging segment revenues, which made up 46% of its total sales in 2024

** Earlier this year, GEHC said it expects its full-year profit to be hit due to U.S. tariffs imposed on products from China

** The company's China sales declined 15% in 2024, and it expects sales in the region to remain under pressure in the near term

** As of last close, GEHC down 8% vs a 2% decline in S&P healthcare equipment .SPLRCMED YTD

(Reporting by Bhanvi Satija in Bengaluru)

((Bhanvi.Satija@thomsonreuters.com; Outside U.S. +91 9873062788;))