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

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.

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