A 125-fold price gap for yttrium highlights a critical supply crunch as Chinese export restrictions remain in force, with non-Chinese producers like Lynas not expected to contribute to output until 2028.
China's April 2025 licensing rules keep yttrium choked, with Argus quoting about $1.15 million a ton in Europe versus $9,144 in China, a 125-fold gap. Lynas is named as the key non-Chinese producer, which positions it to capture that price premium once it starts output. However, the article says that start is not due until 2028, so no near-term volume benefit.
Yttrium prices in Europe have surged to $1.15 million per ton, creating a 125-fold disparity compared to Chinese domestic prices of $9,144. While China extended its pause on October 2025 export controls until Jan. 10, strict licensing rules from April 2025 remain in effect, severely restricting global supply and impacting industries from jet engines to power plants.
The article names Lynas as the main non-Chinese source of yttrium, but says its output will not start until 2028, meaning buyers cannot rely on it right now.
No, because Lynas is not yet producing yttrium, so the 125-fold price gap is a future opportunity rather than current revenue.