U.S.: Rare Earth Metal Market 2025

Rare Earth Metal Market Size in the U.S.

In 2021, after five years of growth, there was significant decline in the U.S. rare earth metal market, when its value decreased by -9.3% to $X. Overall, consumption posted significant growth. Over the period under review, the market attained the maximum level at $X in 2020, and then shrank in the following year.

Rare Earth Metal Production in the U.S.

In value terms, rare earth metal production reduced dramatically to $X in 2021. In general, production saw a significant expansion. The pace of growth was the most pronounced in 2018 when the production volume increased by 473%. Rare earth metal production peaked at $X in 2020, and then declined significantly in the following year.

Rare Earth Metal Exports

Exports from the U.S.

In 2021, the amount of rare earth metals exported from the United States dropped dramatically to X tons, waning by -42.2% against the previous year's figure. Overall, exports faced a dramatic decline. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2018 when exports increased by 76% against the previous year. Over the period under review, the exports hit record highs at X tons in 2012; however, from 2013 to 2021, the exports failed to regain momentum.

In value terms, rare earth metal exports dropped markedly to $X in 2021. Over the period under review, exports saw a significant decrease. The growth pace was the most rapid in 2020 when exports increased by 48%. Over the period under review, the exports reached the maximum at $X in 2012; however, from 2013 to 2021, the exports stood at a somewhat lower figure.

Exports by Country

China (X tons), Austria (X tons) and Japan (X tons) were the main destinations of rare earth metal exports from the United States, with a combined 51% share of total exports. These countries were followed by Canada, Mexico, Turkey, the UK, Ireland, South Korea, Germany, Switzerland, Italy and Brazil, which together accounted for a further 46%.

From 2012 to 2021, the biggest increases were recorded for Turkey (with a CAGR of +22.3%), while shipments for the other leaders experienced more modest paces of growth.

In value terms, Turkey ($X), Austria ($X) and Italy ($X) constituted the largest markets for rare earth metal exported from the United States worldwide, together comprising 44% of total exports.

Turkey, with a CAGR of +29.0%, recorded the highest growth rate of the value of exports, among the main countries of destination over the period under review, while shipments for the other leaders experienced more modest paces of growth.

Export Prices by Country

The average rare earth metal export price stood at $X per ton in 2021, surging by 3.6% against the previous year. Overall, the export price continues to indicate a resilient increase. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2014 when the average export price increased by 101% against the previous year. The export price peaked in 2021 and is likely to see steady growth in years to come.

There were significant differences in the average prices for the major overseas markets. In 2021, amid the top suppliers, the country with the highest price was Italy ($X per ton), while the average price for exports to Brazil ($X per ton) was amongst the lowest.

From 2012 to 2021, the most notable rate of growth in terms of prices was recorded for supplies to China (+21.9%), while the prices for the other major destinations experienced more modest paces of growth.

Rare Earth Metal Imports

Imports into the U.S.

Rare earth metal imports into the United States soared to X tons in 2021, rising by 61% on the previous year. In general, imports, however, saw a noticeable slump. Imports peaked at X tons in 2012; however, from 2013 to 2021, imports failed to regain momentum.

In value terms, rare earth metal imports skyrocketed to $X in 2021. Overall, imports, however, recorded a perceptible slump. Over the period under review, imports reached the peak figure at $X in 2012; however, from 2013 to 2021, imports failed to regain momentum.

Imports by Country

In 2021, China (X tons) constituted the largest supplier of rare earth metal to the United States, with a 85% share of total imports. Moreover, rare earth metal imports from China exceeded the figures recorded by the second-largest supplier, Russia (X tons), sixfold.

From 2012 to 2021, the average annual growth rate of volume from China stood at -5.4%.

In value terms, China ($X) and Russia ($X) constituted the largest rare earth metal suppliers to the United States.

In terms of the main suppliers, Russia, with a CAGR of +31.7%, saw the highest growth rate of the value of imports, over the period under review.

Import Prices by Country

In 2021, the average rare earth metal import price amounted to $X per ton, growing by 22% against the previous year. Overall, the import price continues to indicate a mild increase. The pace of growth appeared the most rapid in 2020 when the average import price increased by 83%. Over the period under review, average import prices hit record highs in 2021 and is likely to see gradual growth in the near future.

Prices varied noticeably by country of origin: amid the top importers, the country with the highest price was Russia ($X per ton), while the price for China stood at $X per ton.

From 2012 to 2021, the most notable rate of growth in terms of prices was attained by Russia (+0.2%), while the prices for the other major suppliers experienced a decline.

Source: IndexBox Platform

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