Rare-earth element yttrium oxide has hit an all-time high after surging almost 1,500 per cent this year, highlighting the fallout of trade curbs from China. Prices surged to US$126 a kilogramme, up from less than US$8 at the end of 2024, according to Asian Metal. In April, China imposed export curbs on rare earths, including yttrium. Rare earths – their output, refining, trade, and usage – are at the heart of the drawn-out trade showdown between the world’s two largest economies. At present, China dominates their production, and while Beijing recently agreed to free up sales, the two sides are still negotiating over ... (full story)