稀土“钇”的价格一年内飙升至140倍

Core Insights - Yttrium, a rare earth element, has seen a dramatic price increase, reaching $850 per kilogram as of February 26, up from approximately $6 a year ago, marking a rise of about 140 times due to China's export controls [2][4][6] Group 1: Price Trends and Supply Issues - The price of yttrium has surged significantly, with the current price being the highest since 2012, driven by supply concerns stemming from China's export restrictions [4][6] - Global demand for yttrium is projected to reach approximately 13,800 tons by 2025, which is significantly higher than other rare earth elements like dysprosium and terbium [8] - China's export controls have led to a 30% year-on-year decline in yttrium exports, indicating a tightening supply situation [9] Group 2: Applications and Market Impact - Yttrium is widely used in various applications, including LEDs, medical laser devices, and as a coating material in semiconductor manufacturing, as well as in military applications to enhance the heat resistance of aircraft engines [6][8] - The rising price of yttrium poses challenges for companies reliant on it, with Japanese firms expressing difficulty in finding substitutes, although there has not yet been a significant reduction in procurement [9] - Japan's recent efforts to extract rare earths from seabed mud, which includes yttrium, are progressing, but commercial viability will take time [9]