Rare Earth Exchanges

Rare Earth Market (Pr-Nd) Update – Price Fluctuations and Uncertain Sentiment

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Highlights

  • Pr-Nd oxide prices are experiencing slight declines amid cautious market sentiment and supply challenges.
  • Raw material prices remain high, with rare earth carbonate and monazite maintaining elevated levels.
  • Market uncertainties persist around ore availability, global supply chains, and potential impacts from AI and clean energy sectors.

The rare earth market is experiencing slight price declines in praseodymium (Pr)and neodymium (Nd) (Pr-Nd) oxides as suppliers lower prices amid cautious market sentiment. While dysprosium and terbium oxides have stabilized, Pr-Nd alloy prices initially surged before facing resistance. Market participants remain observant as supply and demand conditions fluctuate.

Rare earth raw material prices remain high, with rare earth carbonate at ~35,500 yuan/mt and monazite at ~39,600 yuan/mt. Supply constraints persist, particularly for raw ore, while ion-adsorption ore processing fees continue to drop, indicating potential cost pressures. Pr-Nd oxide prices currently range from ~437,000-438,000 yuan/mt, while dysprosium oxide holds at ~1.73-1.74 million yuan/mt and terbium oxide at ~6.15-6.17 million yuan/mt. Pr-Nd alloy sits at ~540,000-542,000 yuan/mt, with dysprosium-iron and terbium metal closely tracking oxide trends. Despite initial price hikes driven by large enterprise tenders, resistance has emerged, and traders anticipate post-holiday supply tightening.

Magnetic material pricing has adjusted in response to rising rare earth prices, with NdFeB blanks ranging from 139 to 259 yuan/kg, depending on grade. NdFeB scrap prices have also surged, but transaction activity remains slow as buyers adopt a wait-and-see approach. Price inversion in the scrap market suggests ongoing inefficiencies in recycling and secondary supply chains.

Key market uncertainties remain. Will declining ore availability lead to further price volatility, or will investment in alternative sources offset shortages? How will China’s evolving policies impact global supply chains, and can diversification efforts by the U.S. and its allies reduce dependency? While AI and clean energy sectors and even emerging fields such as robotics contribute to demand, how significant is their impact on overall pricing trends? Lastly, can recycling efforts meaningfully stabilize the market, or will technical and economic challenges limit their effectiveness?

 As reported in Shanghai Metals Market, the rare earth market remains in flux overall. Price adjustments are driven by supply constraints, shifting demand patterns, and geopolitical factors. A rebound is expected, but long-term market stability remains uncertain.

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