Rare earth market update on June 18, 2025

The domestic rare earth market is operating steadily, with a balanced supply-demand dynamic fostering a subdued trading atmosphere between buyers and sellers. Most rare earth product prices remain stable, while new order volumes are limited.

On June 14, China National Nuclear Corporation (CNNC) Qinshan Nuclear Power Plant achieved another breakthrough: Yttrium-90 (Y-90) glass microspheres irradiated in a heavy water reactor were successfully removed and passed all relevant inspections. This milestone marks China's elimination of its previous heavy reliance on imported Y-90 microspheres and establishes the nation as one of the few in the world capable of producing this cutting-edge medical product using a commercial nuclear reactor.

Rare earth market update on June 17, 2025

The domestic rare earth market has remained in a sideways trend overall, with low trading activity and no significant price fluctuations due to traders largely maintaining rigid, demand-driven transactions. As of today, the prices of neodymium oxide, erbium oxide, and holmium oxide are approximately RMB 450,000/ton, RMB 305,000/ton, and RMB 520,000/ton, respectively.

The first U.S.-China economic and trade consultation mechanism meeting was held in London on June 9-10, 2025. Reports indicate that both sides reached a framework agreement in principle to implement the consensus from the June 5 leaders’ call and the Geneva talks. The U.S. Commerce Secretary stated that the trade framework and implementation plan with China should resolve restrictions on rare earths and magnetic materials.

Rare earth market update on June 16, 2025

At the beginning of the week, the domestic rare earth market exhibited a weak trend, with limited supplier price concessions and lackluster downstream demand growth leading to a subdued trading atmosphere.

Rare earth market update on June 13, 2025

The domestic rare earth market is experiencing poor conditions, with most product prices continuing to decline. Praseodymium-neodymium metal, terbium oxide, and dysprosium-iron alloy prices have decreased by approximately 3,000 yuan/ton, 50 yuan/kg, and 10,000 yuan/ton, respectively.

Rare earth market update on June 12, 2025

The domestic rare earth market is maintaining a generally weak trend, with mainstream product prices declining to varying degrees.

According to a Global Times report citing Nikkei Asia, Japan plans to propose a comprehensive cooperation package with the U.S. during the fifth round of tariff negotiations, focusing on addressing disruptions to Chinese rare earth and U.S. liquefied natural gas (LNG) supply chains amid U.S.-China tensions. Japan aims to collaborate with the U.S. on this front.

Recently, some countries have expressed concerns over China’s export controls on medium and heavy rare earths. It must be emphasized that all parties should rationally and objectively view the legitimacy and necessity of China’s rare earth export controls, respecting China’s legitimate rights in managing its resources, and jointly uphold international economic order, peace, and security.

Recently, China announced new regulations to strengthen export controls on certain rare earth-related items, sparking widespread attention and varied interpretations. Some foreign media have labeled this move as a “diplomatic card” or “strategic weapon” in trade disputes. However, when viewed within the broader framework of global governance norms, China’s own industrial development needs, and international responsibilities, a more fair and rational conclusion emerges: this step reflects China’s proactive alignment with international practices, elevation of governance standards, and fulfillment of its responsibilities as a key supplier of critical minerals. Far from being a spontaneous “tactical countermeasure,” this policy is rooted in China’s deep need for sustainable industrial development and resonates with the global trend toward standardized management of strategic resources, ultimately aiming for their sustainable use and global co-prosperity.