Lower Japan Rare Earth Market Price

Japanese rare earth market price is dull despite of rebounding Chinese market price especially for heavy rare earth. Japanese buyers show thin appetite due to their rich inventory. Japanese slower demand also impacts on the domestic rare earth market price.

International market price keeps decreasing for light rare earth. The price is around US$ 27.50 per kilogram for cerium oxide, which is around one sixth of the peak in July 2011.

Price of heavy rare earth, the buyers of which depends on Chinese supply, hit bottom and rebounds when Chinese export license premium increases. A source in Chinese alloy maker said Chinese major rare earth suppliers try to support the price level by purchasing excess supply from the market.

Japanese dysprosium metal price is around US$ 2,100 per kg, which is around 5% lower than early April level and around half of peak offer in summer 2011. Japanese buyers built the inventory last year and according to traders the alloy makers secured stock for one year consumption. With the thin appetite by Japanese buyers, Chinese suppliers reduce the offer to Japan.