Imports of unlisted rare earth oxides from Myanmar increased tenfold in April! [SMM Analysis]

SMM May 22 News: Recently, the General Administration of Customs released the import and export data for the period from January to April 2025. According to customs data, China's imports of rare earth metal ores totaled 17,614 mt from January to April 2025, down 5% YoY. In April alone, imports reached 3,763 mt, up 18% MoM but down 24% YoY.

In mid-to-late April, MP announced that it would halt exports of rare earth ores to China. However, 3,744 mt of rare earth metal ores still entered China that month. It is understood that current domestic downstream demand remains relatively low, and the increase in ore supply has led to an overall weakening trend in rare earth oxide prices in April.

From January to April 2025, China's imports of unlisted rare earth oxides amounted to approximately 12,849 mt, a 30% decrease YoY. In April, imports of unlisted rare earth oxides reached approximately 6,536 mt, up about 4% YoY and approximately 204% MoM.

It is understood that the supply of rare earth ores in Southeast Asia has fully recovered, with a surge in imports of Myanmar ores in April. The volume of unlisted rare earth oxides from Myanmar increased tenfold MoM, and import activity remained robust in May. However, as the local area is expected to enter the rainy season, it is anticipated that import volumes in this category will begin to decline from June onwards.

From January to April 2025, China's imports of mixed rare earth carbonate totaled 3,412 mt, up 30% YoY. In April, imports reached 1,144 mt, down 26% MoM but up 173% YoY.

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