Stalemate and Game Between Upstream and Downstream; Worsening Inversion of Rare Earth Metals [SMM Weekly Review]

Published: Jan 9, 2025 14:38
[SMM Weekly Review: Stalemate Between Upstream and Downstream Intensifies, Rare Earth Metal Losses Worsen] Metal factories have raised their quotations following the increase in oxide prices, but downstream magnetic material enterprises, facing lower order prices, show low acceptance of high-priced metals. This has made high-price transactions in the market difficult, further exacerbating the raw material cost losses for metal factories.

SMM January 9 News:

Rare Earth Ore:

During the week, rare earth ore prices remained generally stable. With separation plants expected to suspend production for maintenance, market demand for rare earth ore gradually cooled. However, considering the limited supply, price fluctuations for rare earth ore were relatively small.

Rare Earth Oxides:

This week, lanthanum oxide prices slightly decreased to 3,600-4,000 yuan/mt, while cerium oxide prices slightly increased to 7,800-8,000 yuan/mt. Overall, rare earth oxide prices saw a slight rise during the week. As some raw ore separation enterprises are expected to suspend production for maintenance, purchase willingness from metal plants increased, leading to a slight rise in market inquiries. Suppliers gradually raised their quotations, and low-price transactions quickly tightened. Yttrium oxide prices remained stable this week at 40,000-43,000 yuan/mt.

Rare Earth Metals:

In the metals sector, metal plants raised their quotations in line with the increase in oxide prices. However, downstream magnetic material enterprises, constrained by low order prices, showed low acceptance of high-priced metals, making high-price transactions difficult. This further exacerbated the losses in raw material costs for metal plants.

Rare Earth Permanent Magnets:

This week, magnetic material enterprises continued to adhere to the principle of restocking as needed, resulting in relatively low procurement volumes and limited market activity. As the Chinese New Year holiday approaches, enterprises have gradually ramped up production to fulfill orders. However, downstream market order volumes did not show significant growth, and no major fluctuations are expected before the holiday. Post-holiday market conditions remain to be observed.

Rare Earth Scrap:

This week, the scrap market remained stable, with sellers generally adopting a wait-and-see approach, opting to hold inventory for post-holiday sales. Scrap separation enterprises restocked based on demand, maintaining a normal procurement pace. There was low willingness to sign orders at high prices, and mainstream quotations in the market were generally in line with current prices.

》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 for 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
SMM Rare Earth Afternoon Trading Comment for September 8
9 hours ago
SMM Rare Earth Afternoon Trading Comment for September 8
Read More
SMM Rare Earth Afternoon Trading Comment for September 8
SMM Rare Earth Afternoon Trading Comment for September 8
9 hours ago
Zhongke Sanhuan Achieves New Magnet Performance Records, Advancing Tech for Miniaturization and Power Density
12 hours ago
Zhongke Sanhuan Achieves New Magnet Performance Records, Advancing Tech for Miniaturization and Power Density
Read More
Zhongke Sanhuan Achieves New Magnet Performance Records, Advancing Tech for Miniaturization and Power Density
Zhongke Sanhuan Achieves New Magnet Performance Records, Advancing Tech for Miniaturization and Power Density
【SMM Rare Earth Flash】 Following its March 2026 breakthrough in developing the world's highest comprehensive-performance ultra-high remanence sintered NdFeB magnets, Zhongke Sanhuan (000970.SZ) has achieved another technological advancement through its subsidiary Tianjin Sanhuan Lexi New Materials Co., Ltd. Two new magnet grades, tested by the National Institute of Metrology, China, have set new performance records: Model A achieved a room-temperature remanence (Br) of 15.407kGs and a maximum energy product (BH)max of 57.52MGOe, with further improvements in Br and (BH)max; Model B achieved an intrinsic coercivity (HcJ) of 20.86kOe and a (BH)max of 57.05MGOe, with simultaneous gains in coercivity and energy product. This breakthrough will provide stronger technical support for the miniaturization, lightweighting, and power density upgrades of permanent magnet devices in precision sensing, intelligent robotics, low-altitude flight systems, and specialty motors. The company remains committed to advancing R&D in high-performance rare earth permanent magnets and accelerating the commercialization of technological achievements.
12 hours ago
Baotou Rare Earths Wins MIKE Award for Innovation and Knowledge Management Excellence
12 hours ago
Baotou Rare Earths Wins MIKE Award for Innovation and Knowledge Management Excellence
Read More
Baotou Rare Earths Wins MIKE Award for Innovation and Knowledge Management Excellence
Baotou Rare Earths Wins MIKE Award for Innovation and Knowledge Management Excellence
【SMM Rare Earth Flash】 The 16th MIKE Award (Most Innovative Knowledge Enterprise) final评审 concluded recently in Shenzhen. Baotou Research Institute of Rare Earths won the "Annual Practice Value Award" for its outstanding achievements in knowledge management, technology commercialization, and practical application, demonstrating its benchmark strength in empowering technological innovation and supporting high-quality development of the rare earth industry. The MIKE Award is a highly authoritative professional competition in China's knowledge and innovation management field, jointly initiated by Tsinghua University's Research Center for Technological Innovation. This recognition marks an important milestone for the Institute. Moving forward, it will further integrate knowledge management with R&D operations, leverage its existing innovation management platform, and accelerate the transformation of knowledge outcomes into technical solutions and tangible products, solidifying the knowledge foundation for building the "Two Rare Earth Bases."
12 hours ago
Stalemate and Game Between Upstream and Downstream; Worsening Inversion of Rare Earth Metals [SMM Weekly Review] - Shanghai Metals Market (SMM)