Core Viewpoint - The rare earth sector is experiencing a significant surge, with the rare earth permanent magnet index soaring by 7.28% in a single day, and the sector's year-to-date increase exceeding 80% [2] Market Status - The rare earth sector has seen explosive growth, with 16 constituent stocks doubling in price and Jiuling Technology achieving a remarkable year-to-date increase of 275% [2] - Leading companies like Northern Rare Earth and China Rare Earth are reporting substantial profit growth, with Northern Rare Earth's net profit expected to increase by 272.54% to 287.34% year-on-year [2] - The A-share market is outperforming the Hong Kong market, while U.S. companies like MP Materials are leading due to geopolitical premiums, creating a differentiated market structure [2] Upward Logic Supply Side - Domestic control measures are tightening, with the 2025 rare earth mining quota growth rate reduced to 5.9% and a total cap of 270,000 tons, forcing the exit of small enterprises [3] - The global supply situation is further complicated by the civil war in Myanmar, which has halved the import volume of medium and heavy rare earths, and MP Materials' expansion plans falling short of expectations [3] - Policy regulations are amplifying scarcity, with export controls on seven types of medium and heavy rare earths leading to a price premium exceeding 300% for overseas dysprosium [3] Demand Side - Emerging industries such as electric vehicles, wind power, and humanoid robots are driving demand, with one in three electric vehicles using rare earth permanent magnet motors [4] - The demand for high-performance neodymium-iron-boron is expected to grow by over 17% in 2025, with new applications in AI further enhancing demand [4] Long-term Outlook - Global rare earth demand is projected to reach 300,000 tons by 2030, with a compound annual growth rate exceeding 8% [5] Catalysts for Value Reassessment - Breakthroughs in rare earth recycling technology are alleviating supply pressures, with global recycling rates increasing from 5% to 18% [7] - The U.S. Department of Defense's $400 million investment in MP Materials highlights growing capital interest, while domestic rare earth concentrate prices have surged by 37% in the fourth quarter [7] Upward Potential - The industry is in the early to mid-stage of an upward cycle since 2022, with both prices and valuations expected to rise [8] - Short-term price strength for praseodymium-neodymium oxide is anticipated, with magnetic material companies likely to see simultaneous volume and price increases [8] - Individual stock targets include Northern Rare Earth at 72 yuan (potential increase of 37.2%) and China Rare Earth at 61.6 yuan (potential increase of 12.7%) [8]