Summary of China Rare Earths 2026 Outlook Call Industry Overview - **Industry**: Rare Earths - **Key Players**: Northern Rare Earth High-Tech (NRE), China Rare Earth Resources and Technology (CRE), JL Mag Rare-Earth Core Insights - **Supply Discipline**: China's rare earth supply discipline has transitioned to a structural level due to the extension of smelting and separation quotas to imported ores starting in 2025, reducing supply elasticity across the system. SMM anticipates a ~10% year-over-year growth in China's supply for 2026E [2][3] - **Imports**: US-origin rare earth ore imports have dropped to nearly zero since August 2025, following MP Materials' export suspension to China. This supply gap has been compensated by increased imports from Africa, while Myanmar's supply share is expected to decline due to rising tax uncertainty and political risks [3] - **Exports**: SMM forecasts approximately 9% year-over-year growth in exports for 2026E [4] Recycling and Demand - **Recycling**: Recycling has become a significant marginal supplier, with recycled PrNd accounting for ~25% of total PrNd supply in 2025, projected to rise to ~35% in 2026 due to planned capacity additions [4] - **Demand Growth**: SMM expects magnet demand to grow by 15-18% year-over-year in 2026E, driven by the adoption of NEVs (20% production growth), wind power (10% installation growth), air conditioners (11% production growth), and industrial robotics (8-10% growth). Humanoid robots are still in early stages, contributing less than 3% to total demand [5] Pricing Outlook - **Pricing Expectations**: SMM anticipates a slightly tight balance in 2026E, with potential short-term price spikes reaching ~Rmb700k/t. HREE pricing is more influenced by policy than supply dynamics [8] Company Valuations - **Northern Rare Earth (NRE)**: Valued at Rmb72 using a P/B-based methodology, reflecting a 9.5x target 2026E P/B, which is a +2.0 standard deviation premium to its historical average. The valuation considers structural demand growth and tighter resource control [9] - **China Rare Earth (CRE)**: Valued at Rmb61.6 with a 12x target 2026E P/B, set at +1.5 standard deviations above its historical average, reflecting similar structural factors as NRE [11] - **JL Mag Rare-Earth**: Valued at Rmb32.6 for JL Mag-A and HK$25.3 for JL Mag-H based on 2027E earnings, applying lower P/E multiples to account for potential downside risks in the robotics sector [14][16] Risks - **Key Risks for NRE and CRE**: Include demand growth uncertainty in downstream applications, unexpected capacity expansions outside China, trade barriers, price volatility, policy adjustments in China, emergence of alternative materials, and sector consolidation activities [10][12] Conclusion The rare earth sector is poised for growth driven by structural changes in supply discipline, increasing demand from various industries, and a significant role of recycling. However, companies must navigate geopolitical risks and market volatility as they position themselves for the future.