2024 CNY Rare Earth Market Review and Outlook [SMM Analysis]

During the CNY holiday, the mainstream rare earth market generally drifted sideways amid a strong holiday atmosphere. Separation plants and magnetic material plants basically took holidays. Most metal companies' sales departments were on vacation, but the production departments still maintained normal operations. Due to logistics suspension and production suspension, the trading was sluggish.

Before CNY holiday, rare earth prices were generally at a low level. Although there was a slight upward trend during the pre-holiday stocking peak period, the increase was not significant. The raw material procurement volume of downstream metal plants and magnetic materials plants was not high. The normal production of metal companies during the CNY holiday has caused some companies to experience varying degrees of insufficient raw material inventories, and rare earth prices are currently at a low level. Supported by the cost of raw materials, there is little room for further decline. Rare earth minerals holders are not willing to lower their offers, and low-priced spot goods are tightened. Based on the above factors, SMM predicts that the trading in the rare earth market will pick up after CNY.