China’s latest customs figures show another strong month for dysprosium exports, while terbium shipments softened slightly compared to August.
A total of 18,043 kilograms of dysprosium were exported in September, the highest monthly volume since February, with more than 17,000 kilograms going to South Korea. Minor amounts went to Estonia, Portugal, and Thailand.
Chinese dysprosium exports over the last months
Terbium exports, meanwhile, edged down to 4,450 kilograms, following 5,500 kilograms in August. Almost all of the material, 4,000 kilograms, was shipped to Japan, with smaller quantities bound for Korea and Estonia.
Chinese terbium exports over the last months
Both elements remain subject to China’s export licensing system introduced in April, requiring official approval before they can be shipped abroad. After an initial collapse in exports earlier this year, trade volumes have gradually recovered, particularly for dysprosium.
Dysprosium and terbium are key raw materials for the production of high-performance permanent magnets, which are essential components in electric vehicles, wind turbines, and a range of other advanced technologies.
Foto: iStock/tcly