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 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
China's Rare Earth Magnet Exports Down 2.14% MoM, Up 95% YoY in April 2026 Amid US Trade Talks
4 hours ago
China's Rare Earth Magnet Exports Down 2.14% MoM, Up 95% YoY in April 2026 Amid US Trade Talks
Read More
China's Rare Earth Magnet Exports Down 2.14% MoM, Up 95% YoY in April 2026 Amid US Trade Talks
China's Rare Earth Magnet Exports Down 2.14% MoM, Up 95% YoY in April 2026 Amid US Trade Talks
[SMM Rare Earth News Flash] Rare earth permanent magnets: According to data from the General Administration of Customs, China exported 5,126.03 mt of rare earth permanent magnets in April 2026, down 2.14% MoM and up 95% YoY. Meanwhile, the Ministry of Commerce stated that the U.S. economic and trade team conducted thorough communication and exchanges on export control issues, and both sides will jointly study and resolve each other's reasonable and legitimate concerns. The Chinese government implements export controls on critical minerals such as rare earths in accordance with laws and regulations, and reviews compliant, civilian-use license applications.
4 hours ago
Gina Rinehart Invests $31M in US Rare Earths Firm, Expanding Her Mineral Empire
7 hours ago
Gina Rinehart Invests $31M in US Rare Earths Firm, Expanding Her Mineral Empire
Read More
Gina Rinehart Invests $31M in US Rare Earths Firm, Expanding Her Mineral Empire
Gina Rinehart Invests $31M in US Rare Earths Firm, Expanding Her Mineral Empire
Australian Billionaire Invests $31 Million in US-Listed Rare Earths Americas Amid Global Supply Chain Efforts. Australia's richest person, Gina Rinehart, significantly expanded her multibillion-dollar rare earths empire by acquiring a 6% stake in US-listed critical minerals developer Rare Earths Americas. According to filings with the US Securities and Exchange Commission, Rinehart acquired 1.2 million shares through her company Hancock Prospecting, valued at approximately $22.8 million (A$31 million).
7 hours ago
Rare Earth Magnet Prices Drop Amid Falling Raw Material Costs
May 19, 2026 11:46
Rare Earth Magnet Prices Drop Amid Falling Raw Material Costs
Read More
Rare Earth Magnet Prices Drop Amid Falling Raw Material Costs
Rare Earth Magnet Prices Drop Amid Falling Raw Material Costs
[SMM Rare Earth Permanent Magnets News Flash] Affected by the continuous decline in upstream raw material prices, rare earth permanent magnet external quotations were lowered today after a short period of stability. As of 11:30 AM today, mainstream magnetic material manufacturers' quoted prices were calculated in the range of 870,000-900,000 yuan/mt, with significant differences among different magnetic material manufacturers. Motor clients may continue to monitor subsequent prices based on their own circumstances and purchase as needed.
May 19, 2026 11:46
Stalemate and Game Between Upstream and Downstream; Worsening Inversion of Rare Earth Metals [SMM Weekly Review] - Shanghai Metals Market (SMM)