South-Eastern Asia: Rare Earth Metal Market 2025

Rare Earth Metal Market Size in South-Eastern Asia

After two years of growth, the Southeast Asian rare earth metal market decreased by -4.6% to $X in 2021. Overall, consumption, however, posted prominent growth. The level of consumption peaked at $X in 2020, and then shrank modestly in the following year.

Rare Earth Metal Production in South-Eastern Asia

In value terms, rare earth metal production declined to $X in 2021 estimated in export price. In general, production, however, posted a strong expansion. The pace of growth was the most pronounced in 2017 when the production volume increased by 148%. Over the period under review, production attained the maximum level at $X in 2020, and then fell in the following year.

Rare Earth Metal Exports

Exports in South-Eastern Asia

In 2021, rare earth metal exports in South-Eastern Asia expanded remarkably to X tons, picking up by 9.6% against the year before. Over the period under review, exports continue to indicate a strong expansion. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2014 when exports increased by 38%. Over the period under review, the exports hit record highs at X tons in 2019; however, from 2020 to 2021, the exports stood at a somewhat lower figure.

In value terms, rare earth metal exports soared to $X in 2021. In general, exports showed a buoyant expansion. As a result, the exports reached the peak and are likely to continue growth in the immediate term.

Exports by Country

Vietnam was the major exporter of rare earth metals in South-Eastern Asia, with the volume of exports reaching X tons, which was near 76% of total exports in 2021. It was distantly followed by Thailand (X tons), generating a 21% share of total exports. Malaysia (X tons) took a little share of total exports.

Exports from Vietnam increased at an average annual rate of +9.6% from 2012 to 2021. At the same time, Thailand (+360.7%) and Malaysia (+21.2%) displayed positive paces of growth. Moreover, Thailand emerged as the fastest-growing exporter exported in South-Eastern Asia, with a CAGR of +360.7% from 2012-2021. From 2012 to 2021, the share of Thailand and Malaysia increased by +21 and +1.9 percentage points, respectively.

In value terms, Vietnam ($X) remains the largest rare earth metal supplier in South-Eastern Asia, comprising 70% of total exports. The second position in the ranking was taken by Thailand ($X), with a 26% share of total exports.

In Vietnam, rare earth metal exports increased at an average annual rate of +5.4% over the period from 2012-2021. In the other countries, the average annual rates were as follows: Thailand (+567.2% per year) and Malaysia (+33.9% per year).

Export Prices by Country

The export price in South-Eastern Asia stood at $X per ton in 2021, with an increase of 56% against the previous year. In general, the export price, however, saw a perceptible decrease. The level of export peaked at $X per ton in 2013; however, from 2014 to 2021, the export prices remained at a lower figure.

Average prices varied somewhat amongst the major exporting countries. In 2021, amid the top suppliers, the country with the highest price was Thailand ($X per ton), while Vietnam ($X per ton) was amongst the lowest.

From 2012 to 2021, the most notable rate of growth in terms of prices was attained by Thailand (+45.0%), while the other leaders experienced mixed trends in the export price figures.

Rare Earth Metal Imports

Imports in South-Eastern Asia

In 2021, overseas purchases of rare earth metals increased by 21% to X tons, rising for the third year in a row after three years of decline. In general, imports enjoyed a significant increase. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2013 when imports increased by 301%. Over the period under review, imports attained the maximum at X tons in 2015; however, from 2016 to 2021, imports failed to regain momentum.

In value terms, rare earth metal imports rose rapidly to $X in 2021. Over the period under review, imports recorded a significant expansion. The pace of growth was the most pronounced in 2013 with an increase of 357% against the previous year. Over the period under review, imports reached the maximum at $X in 2016; however, from 2017 to 2021, imports failed to regain momentum.

Imports by Country

Malaysia was the key importer of rare earth metals in South-Eastern Asia, with the volume of imports accounting for X tons, which was near 82% of total imports in 2021. It was distantly followed by Thailand (X tons), comprising a 15% share of total imports. Vietnam (X tons) followed a long way behind the leaders.

From 2012 to 2021, average annual rates of growth with regard to rare earth metal imports into Malaysia stood at +37.4%. At the same time, Thailand (+107.6%) and Vietnam (+14.3%) displayed positive paces of growth. Moreover, Thailand emerged as the fastest-growing importer imported in South-Eastern Asia, with a CAGR of +107.6% from 2012-2021. Malaysia (+36 p.p.) and Thailand (+14 p.p.) significantly strengthened its position in terms of the total imports, while Vietnam saw its share reduced by -6.8% from 2012 to 2021, respectively.

In value terms, the largest rare earth metal importing markets in South-Eastern Asia were Malaysia ($X), Thailand ($X) and Vietnam ($X), together accounting for 100% of total imports.

In terms of the main importing countries, Thailand, with a CAGR of +69.0%, recorded the highest rates of growth with regard to the value of imports, over the period under review, while purchases for the other leaders experienced more modest paces of growth.

Import Prices by Country

In 2021, the import price in South-Eastern Asia amounted to $X per ton, reducing by -5.8% against the previous year. Overall, the import price, however, showed a relatively flat trend pattern. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2016 when the import price increased by 75%. Over the period under review, import prices hit record highs at $X per ton in 2018; however, from 2019 to 2021, import prices failed to regain momentum.

Prices varied noticeably by country of destination: amid the top importers, the country with the highest price was Vietnam ($X per ton), while Malaysia ($X per ton) was amongst the lowest.

From 2012 to 2021, the most notable rate of growth in terms of prices was attained by Vietnam (+17.0%), while the other leaders experienced a decline in the import price figures.

Source: IndexBox Platform

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) :