Middle East: Rare Earth Metal Market 2025

Rare Earth Metal Market Size in the Middle East

In 2021, the Middle Eastern rare earth metal market increased by 36% to $X, rising for the second year in a row after two years of decline. Overall, consumption, however, continues to indicate a relatively flat trend pattern. The level of consumption peaked at $X in 2012; afterwards, it flattened through to 2021.

Rare Earth Metal Production in the Middle East

In value terms, rare earth metal production declined to $X in 2021 estimated in export price. Over the period under review, production, however, saw a perceptible shrinkage. The growth pace was the most rapid in 2020 when the production volume increased by 12%. Over the period under review, production reached the maximum level at $X in 2012; however, from 2013 to 2021, production remained at a lower figure.

Rare Earth Metal Exports

Exports in the Middle East

In 2021, overseas shipments of rare earth metals increased by 52% to X tons for the first time since 2017, thus ending a three-year declining trend. Over the period under review, exports, however, continue to indicate a drastic downturn. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2017 with an increase of 607%. As a result, the exports reached the peak of X tons. From 2018 to 2021, the growth of the exports failed to regain momentum.

In value terms, rare earth metal exports skyrocketed to $X in 2021. Overall, exports, however, faced a drastic downturn. The pace of growth was the most pronounced in 2017 when exports increased by 363% against the previous year. As a result, the exports reached the peak of $X. From 2018 to 2021, the growth of the exports remained at a somewhat lower figure.

Exports by Country

Israel was the largest exporting country with an export of around X tons, which finished at 74% of total exports. It was distantly followed by Turkey (X kg) and the United Arab Emirates (X kg), together achieving a 26% share of total exports.

Israel was also the fastest-growing in terms of the rare earth metals exports, with a CAGR of -6.5% from 2012 to 2021. The United Arab Emirates (-19.0%) and Turkey (-28.0%) illustrated a downward trend over the same period. From 2012 to 2021, the share of Israel increased by +50 percentage points. The shares of the other countries remained relatively stable throughout the analyzed period.

In value terms, Israel ($X) remains the largest rare earth metal supplier in the Middle East, comprising 91% of total exports. The second position in the ranking was held by the United Arab Emirates ($X), with a 5.1% share of total exports.

In Israel, rare earth metal exports declined by an average annual rate of -12.7% over the period from 2012-2021. In the other countries, the average annual rates were as follows: the United Arab Emirates (-19.5% per year) and Turkey (-1.8% per year).

Export Prices by Country

The export price in the Middle East stood at $X per ton in 2021, with an increase of 19% against the previous year. Over the period under review, the export price posted a prominent increase. The pace of growth was the most pronounced in 2014 an increase of 280%. The level of export peaked in 2021 and is likely to see gradual growth in the near future.

There were significant differences in the average prices amongst the major exporting countries. In 2021, amid the top suppliers, the country with the highest price was Israel ($X per ton), while Turkey ($X per ton) was amongst the lowest.

From 2012 to 2021, the most notable rate of growth in terms of prices was attained by Turkey (+36.3%), while the other leaders experienced a decline in the export price figures.

Rare Earth Metal Imports

Imports in the Middle East

In 2021, purchases abroad of rare earth metals increased by 49% to X tons, rising for the second consecutive year after two years of decline. Overall, imports saw a remarkable increase. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2014 with an increase of 340%. The volume of import peaked in 2021 and is likely to see gradual growth in years to come.

In value terms, rare earth metal imports surged to $X in 2021. Over the period under review, imports, however, showed a abrupt slump. The pace of growth was the most pronounced in 2017 when imports increased by 156% against the previous year. Over the period under review, imports hit record highs at $X in 2012; however, from 2013 to 2021, imports failed to regain momentum.

Imports by Country

Iran represented the major importer of rare earth metals in the Middle East, with the volume of imports recording X tons, which was approx. 58% of total imports in 2021. It was distantly followed by the United Arab Emirates (X tons) and Turkey (X tons), together making up a 42% share of total imports.

From 2012 to 2021, the biggest increases were recorded for the United Arab Emirates (with a CAGR of +56.4%), while purchases for the other leaders experienced mixed trends in the imports figures.

In value terms, Iran ($X), the United Arab Emirates ($X) and Turkey ($X) constituted the countries with the highest levels of imports in 2021, together accounting for 96% of total imports.

Among the main importing countries, the United Arab Emirates, with a CAGR of +38.9%, recorded the highest growth rate of the value of imports, over the period under review, while purchases for the other leaders experienced a decline in the imports figures.

Import Prices by Country

The import price in the Middle East stood at $X per ton in 2021, declining by -16.4% against the previous year. In general, the import price recorded a sharp descent. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2015 an increase of 84%. The level of import peaked at $X per ton in 2012; however, from 2013 to 2021, import prices stood at a somewhat lower figure.

There were significant differences in the average prices amongst the major importing countries. In 2021, amid the top importers, the country with the highest price was Turkey ($X per ton), while the United Arab Emirates ($X per ton) was amongst the lowest.

From 2012 to 2021, the most notable rate of growth in terms of prices was attained by the United Arab Emirates (-11.2%), while the other leaders experienced a decline in the import price figures.

Source: IndexBox Platform

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) :