April 9, 2025
Industry

Imports of rare earth elements saw 30% drop in 2024

In 2024, a total of 12 900 tonnes of rare earth elements (REE+) were imported to the EU, marking a decrease of 29.3% compared with 2023.

At the same time, 5 500 tonnes of rare earth elements were exported from the EU, a drop of only 0.8%.

Rare earth elements are a group of 17 specialty metals with a high supply risk and of significant economic importance, used in various high-tech applications.

EU trade in rare earth elements, 2021-2024. Bar chart - Click below to see full dataset

Source dataset: ds-045409

Almost half of rare earth elements imports came from China

In 2024, China was the largest partner for imports of rare earth elements, accounting for 46.3% of the total weight of imports, or 6 000 tonnes. China was followed by Russia with 28.4% of imports, or 3 700 tonnes, and Malaysia, contributing 19.9% of the imports, or 2 600 tonnes.

Rare earth elements imports to the EU, 2024. Pie chart - Click below to see full dataset