China Rare Earth Industry Association Reports 258.6 Index as Heavy Rare Earth Price Gap Persists

Highlights

• China's rare earth price index dipped to 258.6 on October 27, down 0.2 points from the prior day
• Dysprosium oxide outside China is estimated at $2,500–$5,500/kg versus $209–$215/kg in China, highlighting a massive price gap
• Terbium oxide outside China ranges from $10,000–$13,000/kg compared to roughly $950–$959/kg domestically
• Contract-specific price floors like MP Materials' $110/kg NdPr protection do not apply to all buyers
• China's index reflects domestic trading shaped by quotas and export controls, not guaranteed delivery terms for Western buyers