Rare earth market update on April 18, 2025
The domestic rare earth market in China displays chaotic pricing, with mainstream light and heavy rare earth product price trends diverging slightly due to numerous uncertainties. Praseodymium-neodymium price experiences volatile declines, while dysprosium and terbium prices see modest increases. Industry participants closely monitor the issuance of the first batch of rare earth mining quotas for 2025 and developments in China-US trade frictions. On April 15, 2025, a "fact sheet" on Section 232 published on the White House website notes that China faces tariffs of up to 245% on products imported to the US. For items like syringes, needles, and electric vehicles, the Biden administration imposes tariffs of 100% in August 2024, plus an additional 20% fentanyl tariff and a 125% reciprocal tariff.
In the light rare earth market, the overall trend remains weak. Limited consumption capacity from magnetic material companies leads to a relatively loose spot supply, and the absence of significant positive news makes it difficult for praseodymium-neodymium product prices to rise. Additionally, declining raw material prices contribute to a drop in prices for neodymium-iron-boron blanks and their waste materials. In the medium and heavy rare earth market, high production costs and limited spot supply growth sustain strong reluctance to sell and bullish sentiment among holders, though the trading atmosphere remains subdued.
On the news front, the transaction price for rare earth concentrate from Northern Rare Earth in the second quarter of 2025 adjusts to 18,825 yuan/ton (dry basis, REO=50%, excluding tax), an increase of 207 yuan/ton or 1.11% compared to the first quarter of 2025. For every 1% increase or decrease in REO content, the price (excluding tax) adjusts by 376.50 yuan/ton, up 4 yuan/ton or 1.11% from the first quarter of 2025.
Price of rare earth products on April 18, 2025
Picture of neodymium oxide
