Sou Hu Cai Jing·2025-10-14 12:39Core Viewpoint - The rare earth market is experiencing a strong resurgence, marked by a significant price increase for rare earth concentrates, which rose to 26,205 yuan/ton, a 37.13% increase from the previous quarter, indicating a robust recovery in market value after five consecutive quarters of price growth [1][4]. Price Surge and Supply-Demand Dynamics - The recent price surge is rooted in profound changes in the long-term supply-demand fundamentals, beginning in Q4 2024 after a significant price adjustment [2]. - Prices fell from 31,030 yuan/ton in Q2 2023 to 16,741 yuan/ton in Q3 2024, a decline of 46.05% [3]. - The current price adjustment is based on a strict pricing mechanism established by Baotou Steel and Northern Rare Earth, which calculates prices quarterly based on market conditions [4]. - A fundamental shift in supply-demand dynamics is driving the price increase, with domestic rare earth mining quotas growing only 5.9% in 2025, the lowest increase in a decade, primarily concentrated among leading companies [4]. Demand Growth in Emerging Industries - The application of rare earths has expanded beyond traditional industries to new sectors such as renewable energy and high-tech, with the penetration rate of new energy vehicles in China exceeding 45% in 2025 [5]. - The usage of rare earth magnetic materials in electric vehicles has increased from 5 kg to 12-16 kg per vehicle, while the wind power sector consumes over 2.1 million tons of rare earths annually [5]. - New applications, such as humanoid robots and eVTOL aircraft, are emerging as significant growth points for rare earth demand, with substantial increases in required materials [5]. Policy and Strategic Considerations - The rapid price increase is also influenced by enhanced export control policies, which restrict the export of rare earth-related technologies and require permits for products containing Chinese rare earth components [6][7]. - China controls 90% of global rare earth refining capacity, positioning itself strategically in the global supply chain [8]. - The recent price hikes aim to rectify the long-standing undervaluation of rare earth resources and shift profits upstream in the industry [8]. Corporate Performance and Market Reaction - Baotou Steel's fourth price increase in 2025 is expected to significantly improve its profitability in the rare earth segment, while Northern Rare Earth can maintain profit margins despite rising procurement costs [9]. - Northern Rare Earth's net profit for the first three quarters of 2025 is projected to increase by 272.54% to 287.34%, driven by effective market management and production optimization [10]. - The stock market has reacted positively, with Northern Rare Earth's stock price rising 110.8% since Q3, reflecting heightened investor interest in the rare earth sector [11]. Global Industry Restructuring - The price adjustments and export control measures are triggering a reshaping of the global rare earth industry, complicating efforts for other countries to establish independent supply chains [12]. - Countries like Australia and Canada possess rare earth resources but lack China's refining capabilities, while Japan and the EU face environmental hurdles [12]. - The U.S. remains vulnerable due to its reliance on foreign rare earth supplies, complicating its position in trade negotiations [12].