Ore-side prices edged up slightly, Pr-Nd consolidated, and medium-heavy rare earth diverged [SMM Rare Earth Weekly Review]
[SMM Rare Earth Weekly Review: Mine prices edge up slightly, Pr-Nd consolidates, medium-heavy rare earth diverges] Lanthanum oxide was quoted at 5,200-5,800 yuan/mt, flat on the week; cerium oxide was quoted at 14,000-14,500 yuan/mt, flat on the week; Pr-Nd oxide was quoted at 728,000-732,000 yuan/mt, rising overall on the week. Early in the week, driven by futures prices stopping falling and rebounding, spot suppliers strengthened their willingness to hold prices firm and raised their quotes, tightening low-priced supply in the market and prompting a slight price rebound. Subsequently, as futures weakened, wait-and-see sentiment in the market intensified, and suppliers' resolve to hold prices firm loosened, with quotes undergoing a slight correction. However, plant quotes remained firm and low-priced supply was hard to find. Downstream enterprises were cautious in inquiries and procurement, and with quarterly locked-price long-term contract deliveries underway, spot order procurement volumes pulled back noticeably, leaving actual transactions in a stalemate.