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
Dateline Resources Reports High Rare Earth Oxide Grades at California's Music Valley Project
13 hours ago
Dateline Resources Reports High Rare Earth Oxide Grades at California's Music Valley Project
Read More
Dateline Resources Reports High Rare Earth Oxide Grades at California's Music Valley Project
Dateline Resources Reports High Rare Earth Oxide Grades at California's Music Valley Project
Dateline Resources has achieved strong results from the first round of rock chip sampling at its district-scale Music Valley heavy rare earth project in California, with one sample returning a total rare earth oxide (TREO) grade of up to 7.13%. The company stated that the exploration model was strongly validated, as all 33 samples collected from surface showed anomalous rare earth grades, confirming the widespread presence of mineralization and highlighting multiple targets within the 20,000-acre large project area. These results provided the first geochemical validation of targets generated by Dateline's recent high-resolution airborne magnetic and radiometric surveys.
13 hours ago
European Resources Expands Korsnäs Mineral Resource, ANSTO Reports High Rare Earth Recovery Rates
13 hours ago
European Resources Expands Korsnäs Mineral Resource, ANSTO Reports High Rare Earth Recovery Rates
Read More
European Resources Expands Korsnäs Mineral Resource, ANSTO Reports High Rare Earth Recovery Rates
European Resources Expands Korsnäs Mineral Resource, ANSTO Reports High Rare Earth Recovery Rates
European Resources reported an Inferred Mineral Resource for Korsnäs, expanding it to 15.4 million mt at a grade of 1.00% TREO, and set a conceptual exploration target of 18 million to 32 million mt. ANSTO Minerals achieved notable results, delivering an overall magnetic rare earth recovery of 83%, with recovery rates of 88% for praseodymium and 83% for neodymium, although recovery rates for heavy rare earths such as dysprosium and terbium remained below 50%. At the end of the quarter, the company held only A$1.76 million in cash, sufficient to sustain operations for only about 2.47 quarters at the current rate. Given this, the company is likely to require additional funding.
13 hours ago
Malaysian Parliament Reviews Lynas-US Rare Earth Supply Agreement Amid Policy Concerns
13 hours ago
Malaysian Parliament Reviews Lynas-US Rare Earth Supply Agreement Amid Policy Concerns
Read More
Malaysian Parliament Reviews Lynas-US Rare Earth Supply Agreement Amid Policy Concerns
Malaysian Parliament Reviews Lynas-US Rare Earth Supply Agreement Amid Policy Concerns
According to Malaysian media reports, news emerged on July 17 local time that the Special Select Committee on International Trade and International Relations of the Malaysian Parliament issued a statement saying that the committee is currently reviewing the rare earth supply agreement signed between Australian rare earth enterprise Lynas and the US, with the review focusing on whether this agreement will impact Malaysia's foreign policy and strategic mineral sector. It is reported that Lynas signed a binding letter of intent earlier this year, agreeing to supply rare earth oxides to the US Pentagon within four years.
13 hours ago