The price of rare earth products has increased significantly over the past 3 years due to the constraints placed on mining, processing and export by the Chinese authorities. This is a trend that is likely to be exacerbated in the coming years despite a temporary decline during the global financial crisis.

Within days of the China Ministry of Commerce announcing a drastic cut in the rare earths export quotas in July 2010 pricing for all rare earth oxides has continued to rise above historical highs. Given that rare earths account for only a minor portion of the cost but a crucial component in hi-tech applications price rises are expected to continue. The impact of ever-tightening supply issues is evident in the price table below.

*Source: Metal Pages

Note: Prices are for a nominal 99% REO product. Prices have been rounded.