Structure of global REE consumption

Relevance

Rare earth elements are used in a wide variety of applications. Catalysts account for 28%, optics and glass - 23%, magnets - 18%. For the needs of metallurgy - 16%. Luminophores account for 7% of REE production and ceramics for 4%. Other industries account for 4%. Among countries, Japan ranks first in terms of REE consumption, followed by the United States, China, and European countries. Japan, Europe and the United States give preference to individual rare earth elements, while China consumes mostly undivided REEs (so necessary for catalysts in the oil refining industry).

Japan

After a decline in REE demand in 2001-03, Japan is experiencing a rebound in consumption. Japan is experiencing a rebound in consumption. In 2007 demand exceeded the 1999 level and amounted to 47,000 tons. Decrease in REE consumption resulted from decrease in production of CRTs for TV sets and monitors. From imported bastanesite, Japan produces 5 thousand tons of REEs, while the rest (35-42 thousand tons) is imported. Imports from China account for 82% to 99%. Imports are dominated by individual rare earth metals and cerium dioxide, badly needed for the production of catalytic exhaust filters.

US

In 2006-2007 demand for REE amounted to 11-11.5 thousand tons. It is lower than in 2001. - 15.1 thousand tons. Automotive catalysts account for 32% of REE demand in the US. Alloy alloy additives account for 21%, ceramics and polishing mixtures - 14%, phosphors - 10%, catalysts for petrochemistry - 8%.

Europe

Demand for rare earths in Europe amounts to 11-13 thousand tons per year. Petrochemical catalysts (46%) and polishing mixtures (32%) dominate in the structure of industrial consumption. In Europe the main consumer of REE is France, and among European corporations the leading firm is Rhodia Electronics and Catalysis, which specializes in separation and refining of REE, as well as the production of a number of products containing REE group.

China

Demand for rare earth group in China itself amounted to 62,9 thousand tons in 2006 and up to 80 thousand tons in 2007 (in terms of oxides). At the same time, China's demand and production of final rare earth products are characterized by growth. Increase in demand for alloys alloyed with rare-earth elements for nickel-metal hydride batteries and neodymium-iron-boron sintered magnets resulted from production of hybrid electric cars. The PRC has two major rare earth element and metal producer corporations - the Southern Rare Earth Group, comprising 7 major REE mills in Jiangsu Province, and the Northern Rare Earth Group of 10 major enterprises in the Baotou region.

Exports

China exports the major part of REE (54,000 tonnes in 2007). However, domestic demand for REE intensified in some industries (production of phosphors and magnets), therefore REE export from China reduced in 2006. It was caused not only by increased demand for these products in China itself, but also by stricter environmental legislation in the country and tightening of state control over raw materials extraction. In 2006 exports from the country were limited to 45 thousand tons (10% less than in 2005). Abolishment of discounts on export duties in 2005 and the increased cost of export licenses in 2006 played a major role in the reduction of REE exports.By autumn 2006, the cost of export licenses had increased by 30-60% as against spring (from $0.3-0.4 to $0.5 per kg). From the middle of 2007 the export duty on oxides was added to the 10% export duty on metals and the export license price was raised to $ 1.5-2/kg. Since early 2008, the export tax was further increased by 15-25%.

Buy, price

In recent years, the cost of products based on rare earth metals has increased significantly. For example, the price of terbium and dysprosium, which content in rocks is traditionally low, has more than doubled. Demand for terbium increased in particular due to the increase in its additives in neodymium-iron-boron magnets. Evek GmbH sells products based on REE at an optimal price. It is formed taking into account the rates on the London Non-Ferrous Exchange and depends on the technological features of production without including additional costs. With us you can buy in bulk all the necessary products for large-scale production. Products are certified. A wide range of products, comprehensive advice of managers, reasonable prices and on-time delivery determine the face of our company. Wholesalers get discounts.