The EU trade value of rare earth elements climbed significantly in 2025, marking a recovery from the previous year’s decline, as reported by Eurostat.
- The EU trade value of rare earth elements climbed significantly in 2025, marking a recovery from the previous year's decline, as reported by Eurostat.
- During this period, total imports surged by 17.1 per cent, reaching 15,100 tonnes, while exports experienced a robust growth of 21.1 per cent, totalling 6,700 tonnes.
During this period, total imports surged by 17.1 per cent, reaching 15,100 tonnes, while exports experienced a robust growth of 21.1 per cent, totalling 6,700 tonnes.
The financial implications of this trade were equally noteworthy, with the value of imported rare earth elements increasing by 23.2 per cent to €124.9 million. Meanwhile, the value of exports rose even more sharply, up by 29.9 per cent to €124.7 million.
Rare earth elements, a group of 17 speciality metals, are vital for a range of high-tech applications. They are integral to modern technologies, including mobile phones, computers, and advanced medical devices, highlighting their economic significance amidst a landscape of supply risks.
China maintained its dominance as the leading supplier in 2025, accounting for 46.8 per cent of the total import weight, which translates to 7,100 tonnes. Following China, Russia emerged as the second-largest supplier, contributing 3,900 tonnes or 25.9 per cent of the imports.
Malaysia also played a crucial role, providing 3,500 tonnes of rare earth elements, which represented 23.1 per cent of the total imports. Other contributors included Japan and the United States, although their shares were significantly smaller, at 1.6 per cent and 0.9 per cent, respectively.
