Overview
- Prices for rare earths rose 8.2% quarter over quarter in Q3, extending a Q2 increase of 8.9%, according to the vbw commodity index.
- China imposed export controls in the spring and tightened them in October, and officials now say those curbs were suspended following the Xi–Trump meeting, though no trade deal has been reached.
- China produces roughly two-thirds of mined rare earths and handles about 90% of industrial processing, concentrating supply and refining know‑how.
- The 17 metals are critical for electronics, electric motors and defense systems, leaving manufacturers exposed to disruption.
- Vbw noted gold, silver and platinum rose 12.6% in Q3, reflecting investor caution, while U.S. and EU plans to diversify supply are expected to take years.