Analysis of China's rare earth import and export data in May

Published: Jun 30, 2021 14:42
China imported 235.534 mt of rare earth permanent magnet materials in May, an increase of 60.2% year-on-year. China exported 4,218.624 mt of rare earth permanent magnets in May, an increase of 39.6% year-on-year, according to data released by the General Administration of Customs.

SHANGHAI, Jun 30 (SMM) - China imported 235.534 mt of rare earth permanent magnet materials in May, an increase of 60.2% year-on-year. China exported 4,218.624 mt of rare earth permanent magnets in May, an increase of 39.6% year-on-year, according to data released by the General Administration of Customs.

The top five import countries of Chinese rare earth permanent magnets in May were the United States (657.983 mt), Germany (613.218 mt), South Korea (513.189 mt), Vietnam (316.705 mt) and Italy (223.442 mt).

In terms of rare earth metal ore, China imported 2,742.5 mt of rare earth metal ore in May, all of which came from the United States, a YoY decrease of 63.5%. The value of China's imports of rare earth metal ore was $12.41 million in May, an increase of 13.4% on the year. The import volume of thorium ore and concentrate was relatively stable on a year-on-year basis in May , but fell sharply from the previous month.

China's imports of mixed rare earth carbonate  totalled 1,551.099 mt in May, an increase of 224% on the year and 237.6% on the month. Imports of mixed rare earth carbonate came mainly from Malaysia (1,059 mt), Russia (90.099 mt) and Myanmar (362 mt), followed by India (21 mt) and Estonia (22 mt).

China imported 2,993.565 mt of unlisted rare earth oxides in May, an increase of 68.1% year-on-year. The import value of unlisted rare earth oxides was $94.42 million, a year-on-year increase of 205.3%. abcde China exported 559.975 mt of unlisted rare earth oxides in May, an increase of 33.4% year-on-year. The export value of unlisted rare earth oxides was $12.381 million, an increase of 182.9% year-on-year.

Japan remained the top buyer of Chinese unlisted rare earth oxides, importing 400.002 mt from China in May.

In terms of single rare earth oxides, lanthanum oxide (825.804 mt) recorded the largest export volume in May, followed by cerium oxide, yttrium oxide, neodymium oxide, dysprosium oxide, terbium oxide, praseodymium oxide, and europium oxide.

In terms of single rare earth metals, lanthanum metal (147.015 mt) recorded the largest export volume in May, followed by cerium metal, neodymium metal, praseodymium metal, terbium metal, dysprosium metal and yttrium metal.

Data Source Statement: Except for publicly available information, all other data are processed by SMM based on publicly available information, market communication, and relying on SMM‘s internal database model. They are for reference only and do not constitute decision-making recommendations.

For any inquiries or to learn more information, please contact: lemonzhao@smm.cn
For more information on how to access our research reports, please contact:service.en@smm.cn
Related News
Policy Tailwinds Combined with Rising Expectations of Improving Demand, Rare Earth Permanent Magnets Concept Strengthened, Xiangdian Co. Hit Daily Limit [SMM Express]
May 22, 2026 19:36
Policy Tailwinds Combined with Rising Expectations of Improving Demand, Rare Earth Permanent Magnets Concept Strengthened, Xiangdian Co. Hit Daily Limit [SMM Express]
Read More
Policy Tailwinds Combined with Rising Expectations of Improving Demand, Rare Earth Permanent Magnets Concept Strengthened, Xiangdian Co. Hit Daily Limit [SMM Express]
Policy Tailwinds Combined with Rising Expectations of Improving Demand, Rare Earth Permanent Magnets Concept Strengthened, Xiangdian Co. Hit Daily Limit [SMM Express]
May 22, 2026 19:36
Rare Earth Export Prices Saw Slight Correction This Week as Geopolitical Tensions and Supply Chain Restructuring Accelerated [SMM Rare Earth Ex-China Weekly Review]
May 22, 2026 17:07
Rare Earth Export Prices Saw Slight Correction This Week as Geopolitical Tensions and Supply Chain Restructuring Accelerated [SMM Rare Earth Ex-China Weekly Review]
Read More
Rare Earth Export Prices Saw Slight Correction This Week as Geopolitical Tensions and Supply Chain Restructuring Accelerated [SMM Rare Earth Ex-China Weekly Review]
Rare Earth Export Prices Saw Slight Correction This Week as Geopolitical Tensions and Supply Chain Restructuring Accelerated [SMM Rare Earth Ex-China Weekly Review]
The ex-China rare earth market this week exhibited a trend of "falling prices amid tight supply," with Pr-Nd oxide and metal prices generally marked down by approximately $5-10/kg. However, due to export controls and tightening supply, the premium on Chinese products outside China remained significant. Meanwhile, geopolitical rivalry and supply chain restructuring accelerated, with G7 finance ministers calling for urgent reduction of dependence on China and the establishment of recycling quota systems. On the capital front, Greenland Resources spent $35 million to acquire the high-grade Sarfartoq project to strengthen its magnetic material rare earth portfolio. Australia's Arafura officially finalised the final investment decision for the Nolans project. Combined with Brazil's launch of an antitrust investigation and Germany's Heraeus divesting its recycling business, these developments underscored the urgency of global decoupling and localization efforts.
May 22, 2026 17:07
Terrafame Explores Scandium Recovery in Finland, Aiming for 2029 Production
May 22, 2026 09:09
Terrafame Explores Scandium Recovery in Finland, Aiming for 2029 Production
Read More
Terrafame Explores Scandium Recovery in Finland, Aiming for 2029 Production
Terrafame Explores Scandium Recovery in Finland, Aiming for 2029 Production
Finnish metals producer Terrafame launched a pre-feasibility study to evaluate scandium recovery from its nickel and zinc production process at Sotkamo in eastern Finland. The company already produces battery-grade nickel, cobalt, and copper, and recovers uranium as a by-product from the same polymetallic ore. Scandium production would also be extracted from these existing hydrometallurgy circuits. The study is expected to be completed by the end of 2026, with a potential production target of 2029. If successfully developed, the project would make Terrafame the only scandium producer in Europe.
May 22, 2026 09:09
Analysis of China's rare earth import and export data in May - Shanghai Metals Market (SMM)