Rare earths
January and early February saw price rises for many rare earths serving different markets, as a steady demand returns and supply tightens. Neodymium oxide prices (99%) have firmed up from $21/kg, bulk FOB China to $26-28.6/kg whilst praseodymium oxide prices have risen from $21.5/kg, to $24-26.7/kg same basis, both on an increase in demand for magnetic materials. At the same time, lanthanum oxide (99%) prices bounced back to $5.5/kg, bulk FOB China, with one indication as high as $5.8/kg, whilst cerium oxide, 99%, is at levels of $4.2-4.6/kg for bulk purchases FOB China.
By mid February it seemed as though the steep upward price trend may have started to tail off. Reported price indications were rises of under $1/kg for neodymium and praesodymium oxides, but this could have been reflecting a quieter market during...