Changjiang Securities·2025-07-16 02:25Investment Rating - The industry investment rating is "Positive" and maintained [6]. Core Viewpoints - The strategic positioning of rare earth materials is increasingly strengthened, and the potential for value reassessment is emerging due to the intensifying competition in global strategic industries such as new energy, semiconductors, and military [1][13]. - Rare earth prices have reached historical lows, with a cumulative decline of nearly 70% over the past three years, driven by slowing growth in new energy, weak traditional demand, and strong domestic supply releases [3][15]. - The Chinese government is enhancing its control over the rare earth industry, with new regulations and a significant reduction in the growth rate of rare earth smelting and separation quotas from 21% in 2023 to 4% in 2024 [3][18]. - The strategic value of rare earths is highlighted amid global trade tensions, with China implementing export controls on certain heavy rare earth items, leading to significant price increases in overseas markets [4][24]. - The gradual relaxation of export approvals for magnetic materials is expected to strengthen customer loyalty for leading companies and boost overseas replenishment demand [5][35]. Summary by Sections Current Price Situation - Rare earth prices are at historical bottom levels, with the price of praseodymium and neodymium oxide dropping to 350,000 yuan/ton, touching the industry cost line [3][15]. - As of July 14, 2025, the five-year price percentiles for praseodymium oxide, dysprosium oxide, and terbium oxide are approximately 49%, 12%, and 43%, respectively, indicating they remain in the historical bottom range [3][15]. Government Control and Industry Dynamics - The domestic rare earth industry has undergone several rounds of consolidation, significantly increasing supply concentration and state control [3][18]. - New regulations emphasize the dominance of two major groups in the development of the domestic rare earth industry, with a focus on reducing supply in response to weak prices [3][18]. Strategic Value in Global Trade Context - Rare earths have become a critical resource for China, serving as a tool for trade retaliation amid ongoing trade conflicts, with export controls leading to a tightening of supply in overseas markets [4][24]. - The U.S. Department of Defense plans to invest significantly in local rare earth mining companies to increase production capacity, indicating a strong strategic interest in rare earth resources [4][24]. Magnetic Material Export and Market Outlook - The approval process for magnetic material exports is gradually being relaxed, which may enhance the profitability of magnetic material companies as rare earth prices rise [5][35]. - The development of humanoid robots, particularly by companies like Tesla, is expected to drive demand for magnetic materials, with potential increases in production and sales [5][38].