Customs data shows that in March 2026, China's rare earth imports amounted to 13,176 tons, a year-on-year increase of 69.8%, with an import value of RMB 1.933 billion, a year-on-year increase of 193.4%. Rare earth exports were 4,111 tons, a year-on-year decrease of 27.5%, with an export value of RMB 331 million, a year-on-year decrease of 0.1%. During the same period, China exported 10,285 tons of rare earths and their products, a year-on-year decrease of 11.9%, while the export value was RMB 2.453 billion, a year-on-year increase of 12.0%. From the perspective of year-on-year changes in rare earth import and export volumes and values, the average import price and export volume price of rare earths in March this year both saw increases compared to the same month last year.
Rare earth mine images
According to the official WeChat account of CTIA GROUP, in March 2026, the prices of most rare earth products in China declined on a month-on-month basis. Among them, the average price of praseodymium oxide was RMB 856,500/ton, a month-on-month decrease of approximately 2.33%, and a year-on-year increase of approximately 84.46%; the average price of neodymium oxide was RMB 850,045/ton, a month-on-month decrease of approximately 2.51%, and a year-on-year increase of approximately 85.00%; the average price of praseodymium-neodymium oxide was RMB 782,909/ton, a month-on-month decrease of approximately 4.58%, and a year-on-year increase of approximately 76.33%; the average price of praseodymium-neodymium metal was RMB 972,636/ton, a month-on-month decrease of approximately 2.51%, and a year-on-year increase of approximately 78.26%; the average price of terbium oxide was RMB 6,241/kg, a month-on-month decrease of approximately 1.48%, and a year-on-year decrease of approximately 5.01%; the average price of dysprosium oxide was RMB 1,462,727/ton, a month-on-month decrease of approximately 1.96%, and a year-on-year decrease of approximately 14.05%; the average price of dysprosium alloy was RMB 1,430,909/ton, a month-on-month decrease of approximately 1.45%, and a year-on-year decrease of approximately 13.65%.
Rare earth permanent magnet material images
Rare earth elements refer to the 17 elements in the periodic table, including the lanthanides (from lanthanum to lutetium, a total of 15 elements), as well as scandium and yttrium, which have similar chemical properties to the lanthanides. Due to their unique 4f electron shell structure, rare earth elements possess excellent magnetic, optical, electrical, and catalytic properties. In terms of magnetism, rare earth elements can form high-performance permanent magnet materials (such as neodymium-iron-boron magnets) with high magnetic energy density and strong coercivity. In optics, they can generate a rich spectrum, making them useful in laser materials, phosphors, and optical fibers. In catalysis, they can enhance the efficiency and selectivity of chemical reactions. Due to these superior properties, rare earth elements are widely used in various fields such as new energy vehicles, wind power generation, electronics, petrochemicals, and military industries. They are therefore also known as "industrial vitamins" and the "treasure trove of new materials."
