Rare earth market update on May 20, 2025
Domestic rare earth prices remain locally stable with some slight declines, primarily due to insufficient inquiry and procurement enthusiasm from downstream users and the relatively high levels of raw material spot inventory. Today, prices for praseodymium-neodymium metal, gadolinium oxide, and terbium oxide have decreased by approximately 1,000 yuan, 3,000 yuan, and 20 yuan, respectively.
According to CTIA GROUP LTD, the weak market demand is mainly attributed to two factors: first, compared to earlier periods, current rare earth raw material prices are high, reducing downstream users' willingness to consume; second, although China's rare earth product imports are limited, the combination of restricted exports for certain rare earth products and manufacturers generally maintaining normal production has resulted in a relatively ample spot supply, making consumers more cautious about purchasing. However, supported by production costs and rising overseas rare earth prices, most suppliers have limited room for price reductions.
Caixin reports indicate that 45 days have passed since the implementation of export controls on seven categories of medium and heavy rare earth items, including samarium, gadolinium, terbium, dysprosium, lutetium, scandium, and yttrium. Industry sources reveal that at least six companies have received export licenses for dual-use rare earth materials from the Ministry of Commerce, with several listed companies' license approval processes ongoing. As of May 18, companies that have obtained rare earth export licenses include Zhongke Sanchuang, Ningbo Yunsheng, Zhenghai Magnetic Material, Tianhe Magnetic Material, Innuovo, and Dadi Bear—totaling at least six rare earth magnet enterprises. Additionally, companies like Northern Rare Earth, Guangsheng Nonferrous, and Yingluohua are in the process of applying for their export licenses.
Price of rare earth products on May 20, 2025
Praseodymium oxide picture
