Rare Earth Oxide Inquiry Activity Increases, Metal Market Remains Sluggish [SMM Weekly Review]

Published: Jan 2, 2025 16:52
[SMM Weekly Review: Increased Inquiry Activity for Rare Earth Oxides, Metal Market Remains Quiet] Due to the relatively stable prices of rare earth oxides, metal manufacturers have recently maintained firm quotations. However, as magnetic material enterprises are expected to gradually enter holiday mode, the market's inquiry and transaction activity for metal products remains relatively quiet, and metal prices have been running steadily in recent days.

SMM January 2 News:

Rare Earth Ore:

During the week, rare earth ore prices remained relatively firm. According to miners, although the Longchuan and Diantan border crossings have resumed operations, the Banwa region requires miners to withhold 20% of their goods as resource fees, and the Maizayang region even demands a deduction of 33%. Miners are unwilling to comply with these policies, resulting in a delayed recovery of Myanmar ore imports.

Rare Earth Oxides:

This week, lanthanum oxide prices remained stable at 3,800-4,200 yuan/mt, while cerium oxide prices also stayed steady at 7,600-8,000 yuan/mt. Throughout the week, rare earth oxide prices were relatively stable overall, with medium-heavy rare earth oxide prices showing a slight upward trend. It is reported that some domestic raw ore separation enterprises are expected to suspend production for maintenance starting in January, leading to an anticipated reduction in actual oxide supply. Most market participants are no longer pessimistic about rare earth oxide price trends before the Chinese New Year, and market inquiry activity has increased. Yttrium oxide prices continued to remain stable this week at 40,000-43,000 yuan/mt.

Rare Earth Metals:

On the metals side, due to the relatively stable prices of rare earth oxides, metal producers have also maintained firm quotations recently. However, as magnetic material enterprises are expected to gradually enter holiday mode, market inquiry and transaction activity for metal products has been relatively subdued, and metal prices have remained stable in recent days.

Rare Earth Permanent Magnets:

This week, the overall atmosphere in the magnetic material market was relatively subdued. As most enterprises are expected to begin their holidays around January 20, market purchasing enthusiasm has been low, and inquiry activity has decreased. Nevertheless, the market continues to monitor the overall release of orders. However, due to persistently weak downstream demand, enterprises remain pessimistic about future market prospects.

Rare Earth Scrap:

As year-end approaches, enterprises generally prefer to reduce inventory, with inventory management strategies focused on minimizing stock levels. Market transaction volumes have gradually declined. Although scrap supply remains sufficient, enterprises are placing greater emphasis on cost control, adopting more cautious procurement strategies.

》Apply for a Free Trial of the SMM Metal Industry Chain Database

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
Frontier Secures $20 Million and Signs Rare Earth Offtake Agreement
Feb 6, 2026 18:46
Frontier Secures $20 Million and Signs Rare Earth Offtake Agreement
Read More
Frontier Secures $20 Million and Signs Rare Earth Offtake Agreement
Frontier Secures $20 Million and Signs Rare Earth Offtake Agreement
Luxembourg-based Frontier Rare Earths today announced it successfully obtained a $20 million investment from South Africa's Industrial Development Corporation (IDS) and signed an offtake agreement with France's Carester. The company has now initiated the final feasibility study for its South African magnet-use rare earth and battery-grade manganese project. Frontier Rare Earths is currently advancing the development of the Zandkopsdrift project in South Africa. The project is expected to achieve an annual capacity of approximately 3,038 mt of Pr-Nd oxide, 114 mt of dysprosium oxide, and 25 mt of terbium oxide over the first 25 years.
Feb 6, 2026 18:46
US Provides $565 Million in Financing for Brazilian Rare Earth Project
Feb 6, 2026 18:43
US Provides $565 Million in Financing for Brazilian Rare Earth Project
Read More
US Provides $565 Million in Financing for Brazilian Rare Earth Project
US Provides $565 Million in Financing for Brazilian Rare Earth Project
Serra Verde, a Brazilian rare earth element producer, announced today that the US International Development Finance Corporation (DFC) offered it a financing package worth $565 million, which also includes an option for the US government to acquire a minority stake in the company. Serra Verde’s Pela Ema ionic clay deposit in Brazil is scheduled to begin commercial production in 2024, with an expected annual output of 5,000 mt of total rare earth oxides, including dysprosium, erbium, neodymium, and praseodymium. Serra Verde plans to use the funds to refinance existing loan facilities and expand production capacity. The project aims to increase total rare earth oxide production to 6,500 mt per year by 2027.
Feb 6, 2026 18:43
US DFC Offers $565M Financing to Brazilian Rare Earth Project
Feb 6, 2026 18:42
US DFC Offers $565M Financing to Brazilian Rare Earth Project
Read More
US DFC Offers $565M Financing to Brazilian Rare Earth Project
US DFC Offers $565M Financing to Brazilian Rare Earth Project
[SMM Flash: US Provides $565 Million in Financing for Brazilian Rare Earth Project] Serra Verde (a Brazilian rare earth element producer) announced today that the US International Development Finance Corporation (DFC) has provided it with a financing package worth $565 million, which also includes an option for the US government to acquire a minority stake in the company. Serra Verde's Pela Ema ionic clay deposit in Brazil is scheduled to commence commercial production in 2024, with an expected annual output of 5,000 mt of total rare earth oxides, including elements such as dysprosium, erbium, neodymium, and praseodymium. Serra Verde plans to use the funds to refinance existing loan facilities and expand production capacity. The project aims to increase the annual production of total rare earth oxides to 6,500 mt by 2027.
Feb 6, 2026 18:42