Rare Earth Elements: The Foundation of Magnet Applications
In April 2025, China implemented export restrictions on seven rare earth elements—samarium (Sm), gadolinium (Gd), terbium (Tb), dysprosium (Dy), lutetium (Lu), scandium (Sc), and yttrium (Y)—in response to U.S. tariffs imposed by the Trump administration. These elements are critical in various high-tech and defense applications, including permanent magnets, lasers, and advanced ceramics. The restrictions require exporters to obtain special licenses from China’s Ministry of Commerce, potentially disrupting global supply chains.
Impact on Rare Earth Permanent Magnets
The export controls have significant implications for the production of rare earth permanent magnets, particularly those made from neodymium-iron-boron (NdFeB) alloys. Elements like dysprosium and terbium are essential for enhancing the thermal stability and performance of these magnets. China’s dominance in the processing of these medium and heavy rare earths—controlling approximately 99% of global refining capacity—means that any disruption in their supply can lead to shortages and increased prices.
Manufacturers, especially in the automotive and renewable energy sectors, are facing challenges due to these export restrictions. Companies are exploring alternative sources and materials to mitigate the impact, but the transition is complex and time-consuming. The situation underscores the strategic importance of rare earth elements in modern technology and the vulnerabilities associated with their concentrated supply chains.
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La
Lanthanum is a versatile rare earth element with wide industrial applications. It enhances catalytic performance in petroleum refining, boosts the efficiency and durability of EV batteries, and plays a key role in producing high-quality optical glass. In advanced imaging and projection systems, lanthanum improves clarity and reduces distortion, making it indispensable for modern vision technologies.
- CATALYSTS
- BATTERIES
- OPTICAL
- IMAGING SYSTEMS
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Ce
Cerium is the most abundant rare earth element with broad industrial value. It is widely used in automotive catalytic converters to reduce emissions, enhances fuel efficiency in petroleum refining, and serves as a key material in glass polishing and additives. In optics and electronics, cerium improves UV resistance, stability, and performance, making it vital for clean energy and advanced technologies.
- CATALYTIC CONVERTERS
- REFINING
- GLASS POLISHING
- OPTICS & ELECTRONICS
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Pr
Praseodymium is a vital rare earth element with significant industrial importance. It is a critical component in high-performance permanent magnets used in electric vehicles, wind turbines, and industrial automation. Praseodymium also enhances the efficiency of aerospace alloys, providing strength and heat resistance. In glass and ceramics, it delivers vibrant colors and optical clarity, while in advanced electronics, it contributes to stability and durability. With its broad applications, praseodymium plays a key role in driving clean energy and modern technologies.
- PERMANENT MAGNETS
- ALLOYS
- GLASS & CERAMICS
- ELECTRONICS
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Nd
Neodymium is one of the most important rare earth elements with wide-ranging applications. It is best known as the core material in high-strength permanent magnets, powering electric vehicles, wind turbines, robotics, and consumer electronics. Neodymium also improves the performance of lasers and optical devices, supporting medical, defense, and industrial systems. In glass and coatings, it provides UV protection and enhances color stability. With its unmatched magnetic properties and versatility, neodymium is essential for advancing clean energy and high-tech innovation.
- NdFeB MAGNETS
- LASERS & OPTICS
- GLASS & COATINGS
- HIGH-TECH SYSTEMS
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Pm
Promethium is a rare and radioactive rare earth element with unique technological applications. Though not found naturally in large amounts, it is produced in nuclear reactors and used in specialized niches. Promethium serves as a power source in nuclear batteries for spacecraft and remote systems, where long-lasting energy is critical. It also finds use in luminous paints, signal devices, and scientific research, offering distinct advantages where stable light or energy output is required. Despite its scarcity, promethium plays an important role in advanced energy and aerospace technologies.
- NUCLEAR BATTERIES
- SPACE APPLICATIONS
- LUMINESCENT MATERIALS
- SCIENTIFIC RESEARCH
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Sm
Samarium is a key rare earth element valued for its magnetic, nuclear, and optical applications. It is widely used in samarium–cobalt (SmCo) permanent magnets, known for their exceptional strength and ability to operate in high temperatures, making them ideal for aerospace, defense, and industrial systems. Samarium is also important in nuclear reactors as a neutron absorber, ensuring stability and safety. In optics and electronics, samarium compounds enhance lasers, infrared absorption, and specialized glass. With its high-performance characteristics, samarium is indispensable in advanced engineering and clean energy technologies.
- SmCo MAGNETS
- NUCLEAR APPLICATIONS
- LASERS & OPTICS
- HIGH-TEMPERATURE SYSTEMS
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Eu
Europium is a rare earth element best known for its exceptional luminescent properties. It is the primary material used in red and blue phosphors for display panels, LEDs, and fluorescent lighting, giving vibrant color and clarity to modern screens. Europium also plays a role in anti-counterfeiting measures, where its fluorescence is used in euro banknotes and security inks. In nuclear applications, europium serves as a neutron absorber, enhancing reactor control and safety. With its unique optical and nuclear properties, europium is vital for advanced electronics, clean energy, and secure technologies.
- PHOSPHORS & DISPLAYS
- LED & LIGHTING
- ANTI-COUNTERFEITING
- NUCLEAR APPLICATIONS
Gd64
Gd
Gadolinium is a versatile rare earth element with key roles in medicine, energy, and materials science. It is widely used in magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) contrast agents, providing clarity in medical diagnostics. Gadolinium also acts as a neutron absorber in nuclear reactors, contributing to safe, efficient energy production. In advanced materials, it improves magnetocaloric devices for next-generation refrigeration and enhances high-performance alloys with added strength and heat resistance. With its broad applications, gadolinium is indispensable in healthcare, clean energy, and advanced engineering.
- MRI CONTRAST AGENTS
- NUCLEAR REACTORS
- MAGNETOCALORIC DEVICES
- HIGH-PERFORMANCE ALLOYS
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Tb
Terbium is a valuable rare earth element with important roles in lighting, magnetics, and clean energy. It is widely used in green phosphors for fluorescent lamps, LEDs, and display panels, giving brilliance and efficiency to modern lighting and screens. Terbium also strengthens magnetostrictive alloys used in sensors, actuators, and sonar devices. In renewable energy, terbium improves the performance and stability of permanent magnets in wind turbines and electric vehicles. With its unique optical and magnetic properties, terbium is vital for electronics, clean energy, and advanced engineering.
- PHOSPHORS & DISPLAYS
- LED & LIGHTING
- SENSORS & ACTUATORS
- CLEAN ENERGY MAGNETS
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Dy
Dysprosium is a critical rare earth element known for its high-performance magnetic, thermal, and energy applications. It is widely used in neodymium-iron-boron (NdFeB) magnets to improve high-temperature stability, making them ideal for electric vehicles, wind turbines, and industrial motors. Dysprosium also enhances magnetostrictive materials for precision sensors, actuators, and other advanced devices. Its unique properties ensure reliable performance in extreme environments, supporting clean energy, advanced electronics, and high-tech engineering innovations.
- HIGH-TEMPERATURE MAGNETS
- NDFeB MAGNETS
- SENSORS & ACTUATORS
- CLEAN ENERGY & ELECTRONICS
Ho67
Ho
HoHolmium is a rare earth element valued for its strong magnetic, optical, and energy applications. It is widely used in high-strength magnets, including specialized NdFeB and other rare earth alloys, providing enhanced magnetic performance at elevated temperatures. Holmium also finds applications in lasers, nuclear control rods, and precision optical devices. Its unique magnetic and optical properties make it indispensable for clean energy, advanced electronics, and high-tech engineering systems.
- HIGH-STRENGTH MAGNETS
- LASERS & OPTICAL DEVICES
- NUCLEAR CONTROL RODS
- CLEAN ENERGY & ELECTRONICS
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Er
Erbium is a rare earth element prized for its optical, magnetic, thermal, and energy applications. It is widely used in fiber-optic amplifiers, lasers, and photonic devices, enabling high-speed communications, precise signal control, and advanced optical systems. Erbium also enhances permanent magnets and specialty alloys for advanced engineering applications. Its unique optical and magnetic properties make it essential for clean energy technologies, telecommunications, and high-tech electronics worldwide.
- FIBER-OPTIC AMPLIFIERS
- LASERS & PHOTONICS
- PERMANENT MAGNETS
- CLEAN ENERGY & ELECTRONICS
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Tm
Thulium is a rare earth element valued for its magnetic, optical, thermal, and energy applications. It is used in high-performance lasers, X-ray devices, and solid-state devices, providing precise control and efficiency in specialized technologies. Thulium also contributes to permanent magnets and advanced alloys for industrial and clean energy applications. Its unique optical, magnetic, and thermal properties make it indispensable for high-tech electronics, renewable energy systems, and advanced engineering solutions.
- HIGH-PERFORMANCE LASERS
- X-RAY & OPTICAL DEVICES
- PERMANENT MAGNETS
- CLEAN ENERGY & ELECTRONICS
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Yb
Ytterbium is a rare earth element prized for its optical, magnetic, thermal, and energy applications. It is widely used in fiber lasers, atomic clocks, and photonic devices, providing high precision, stability, and efficiency in advanced technologies. Ytterbium also enhances permanent magnets and specialty alloys for clean energy and industrial applications. Its unique optical, magnetic, and thermal properties make it essential for telecommunications, renewable energy systems, and high-tech engineering solutions.
- FIBER LASERS & PHOTONICS
- ATOMIC CLOCKS
- PERMANENT MAGNETS
- CLEAN ENERGY &INDUSTRIAL APPLICATIONS
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Lu
Lutetium is a rare earth element valued for its optical, magnetic, thermal, and energy applications. It is widely used in PET scan detectors, catalysts, and specialty alloys, providing high precision, stability, and efficiency in advanced technologies. Lutetium also contributes to permanent magnets and high-performance materials for clean energy and industrial applications. Its unique optical, magnetic, and thermal properties make it essential for medical imaging, renewable energy systems, and high-tech engineering solutions.
- PET SCAN DETECTORS
- CATALYSTS
- PERMANENT MAGNETS
- CLEAN ENERGY & INDUSTRIAL APPLICATIONS
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Sc
Scandium is a rare earth element valued for its lightweight, strong, and energy-efficient applications. It is widely used in high-strength aluminum-scandium alloys for aerospace, sports equipment, and advanced structural components, providing durability, corrosion resistance, and reduced weight. Scandium also enhances solid oxide fuel cells and lighting technologies. Its unique combination of strength, lightness, and conductivity makes it essential for aerospace, clean energy, and high-performance engineering applications.
- ALUMINUM-SCANDIUM ALLOYS
- AEROSPACE & SPORTS EQUIPMENT
- FUEL CELLS & LIGHTING
- CLEAN ENERGY & ENGINEERING
Meet our special element
Although yttrium (Y) shares many chemical properties with the lanthanides, it is not actually part of the lanthanide or actinide series. Its atomic structure lacks 4f or 5f electrons, so it does not belong to either group. However, because yttrium commonly occurs alongside lanthanides in nature and exhibits similar chemical behavior, it is still classified as a rare earth element. This unique status makes yttrium a bridge between traditional rare earth metals and modern high-tech applications.
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Y
Yttrium is a rare earth element valued for its magnetic, optical, thermal, and energy applications. It is widely used in LEDs, phosphors, and advanced ceramics, providing bright color, stability, and durability in modern electronics and display technologies. Yttrium also enhances superconducting materials, high-performance alloys, and laser systems. Its unique optical, magnetic, and thermal properties make it essential for clean energy, high-tech electronics, and advanced engineering solutions.
- LEDS & PHOSPHORS
- ADVANCED CERAMICS
- SUPERCONDUCTORS & ALLOYS
- CLEAN ENERGY & ELECTRONICS