Rare Earth Import and Export Data for March Released, Rare Earth Metal Ore Imports May Continue to Decline [SMM Analysis]

Published: Apr 22, 2025 18:29
SMM Analysis: Rare Earth Import and Export Data for March Released, Imports of Rare Earth Metal Ore Likely to Continue Declining. On April 18, MP announced that it had ceased exporting rare earth concentrate to China. According to statistics, MP previously exported approximately 3,000 mt of rare earth concentrate to China per month, equivalent to a Pr-Nd oxide supply of 300-400 mt, accounting for only about 3% of China's total Pr-Nd oxide production. On April 21, Shenghe Resources announced that it had established diversified supply channels for rare earth raw materials, with Sichuan mine and monazite serving as alternative sources, which would not significantly impact the company's production and operations.

SMM reported on April 22: Recently, the General Administration of Customs released import and export data for January-March 2025. According to customs data, China's imports of rare earth metal ore from January to March 2025 reached 13,851 mt, up 3% YoY. Among them, imports in March were 3,185 mt, up 10% MoM but down 46% YoY.

On April 18, MP announced that it had stopped exporting rare earth concentrate to China. According to statistics, MP previously exported about 3,000 mt of rare earth concentrate to China per month, equivalent to a Pr-Nd oxide supply of approximately 300-400 mt, accounting for only about 3% of China's total Pr-Nd oxide production. On April 21, Shenghe Resources announced that it had established diversified rare earth raw material supply channels, with Sichuan ore and monazite as alternative supplies, which would not have a significant impact on the company's production and operations.

From January to March 2025, China's imports of unlisted rare earth oxides were approximately 6,313 mt, down 48% YoY. Among them, imports in March were about 2,150 mt, down 58% YoY but up 69% MoM.

It is reported that Myanmar mines have resumed operations. Some ore trading companies revealed that the ion-adsorption rare earth ore available for transportation in Myanmar is approximately 13,000-14,000 mt, which is sufficient to supply domestic separation enterprises for about two months.

From January to March 2025, China's imports of mixed rare earth carbonate were 2,267.7 mt, up 3% YoY. Among them, imports in March were 1,551.5 mt, up 3,594% MoM and 185% YoY.

Due to the advancement of local policies in Malaysia and the launch of new rare earth mining projects, it is expected that imports of mixed rare earth carbonate in 2025 will increase significantly YoY.

》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
Lindian Resources Acquires 51% Stake in Kazakhstan Rare Earth Processing Plant
Mar 5, 2026 15:35
Lindian Resources Acquires 51% Stake in Kazakhstan Rare Earth Processing Plant
Read More
Lindian Resources Acquires 51% Stake in Kazakhstan Rare Earth Processing Plant
Lindian Resources Acquires 51% Stake in Kazakhstan Rare Earth Processing Plant
According to foreign media reports, ASX-listed Lindian Resources signed a binding agreement to acquire a 51% equity stake in the Sareco Mixed Rare Earth Carbonatite (MREC) processing plant in Kazakhstan. The plant was previously operated by a joint venture between Japan’s Sumitomo Corporation and Kazakhstan’s national atomic energy company, Kazatomprom, and will now be jointly operated by Lindian (51%) and its domestic joint-venture partner, the RA Group (49%). The acquisition will upgrade Lindian’s business from rare earth concentrate production to higher-value MREC production, significantly improving its economic returns.
Mar 5, 2026 15:35
Rare Earth Prices Pulled Back, with Strong Wait-and-See Sentiment Downstream [SMM Rare Earth Weekly Review]
Mar 5, 2026 14:58
Rare Earth Prices Pulled Back, with Strong Wait-and-See Sentiment Downstream [SMM Rare Earth Weekly Review]
Read More
Rare Earth Prices Pulled Back, with Strong Wait-and-See Sentiment Downstream [SMM Rare Earth Weekly Review]
Rare Earth Prices Pulled Back, with Strong Wait-and-See Sentiment Downstream [SMM Rare Earth Weekly Review]
[SMM Rare Earth Weekly Review: Rare Earth Prices Pulled Back, Strong Wait-and-See Sentiment Downstream] Affected by news-related factors, the Pr-Nd oxide market saw heightened wait-and-see sentiment among downstream metal plants, and some traders proactively cut prices to boost shipments. As of today, Pr-Nd oxide prices had pulled back to 845,000-850,000 yuan/mt.
Mar 5, 2026 14:58
Japan and India in Talks to Explore Rare Earth Minerals in Rajasthan, Tech Support Expected
Mar 5, 2026 09:16
Japan and India in Talks to Explore Rare Earth Minerals in Rajasthan, Tech Support Expected
Read More
Japan and India in Talks to Explore Rare Earth Minerals in Rajasthan, Tech Support Expected
Japan and India in Talks to Explore Rare Earth Minerals in Rajasthan, Tech Support Expected
Japan is currently in talks with India on jointly exploring rare earth mineral deposits in Rajasthan. The Japanese government intends to dispatch experts to the site and is expected to provide mining technology support to Rajasthan.
Mar 5, 2026 09:16
Rare Earth Import and Export Data for March Released, Rare Earth Metal Ore Imports May Continue to Decline [SMM Analysis] - Shanghai Metals Market (SMM)