Overview
- vbw’s raw materials index shows rare‑earth dollar prices rose 8.2% in Q3, following an 8.9% increase in Q2.
- Neodymium climbed about 31.8% and praseodymium 25.7% in Q3, pressuring EV motor supply that relies on high‑performance NdFeB magnets.
- Reports say China moved to suspend some export controls after the Xi–Trump meeting, yet official statements diverge and details remain unspecified.
- Germany’s exposure is acute, with 65.5% of rare‑earth imports sourced from China and elements such as neodymium, praseodymium and samarium nearly entirely imported from there.
- Industry and policymakers push de‑risking as the National Security Council reviews critical raw materials, while firms explore alternatives such as BMW’s motors that avoid permanent‑magnet rare earths.