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Lanthanum Metal Price Trend and Forecast

UNSPC code: 12352300
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⟳ Weekly Update
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Historical Data Since 2015
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Forecast for 2026
  • Commodity Pricing

lanthanum metal Price Trends by Country

cnChina

Global lanthanum metal Spot Market Prices, Trend Analysis and Forecast

Price-Watch™ provides price assessments for Lanthanum Metal across top trading regions:

Asia-Pacific

  • Lanthanum Metal 99%min EX- Shanghai, China
  • Lanthanum Metal 99%min FOB Shanghai, China


Note: In assessments structured as CIF [Importing Port] (Exporting Country), the country mentioned in brackets indicates the primary origin of supply (exporting country), while the named port refers to the destination port in the importing country. Other Incoterms (FOB, FD, EXW, etc.) should be interpreted in accordance with standard international trade definitions.

Lanthanum Metal Price Trend Q1 2026

The global LaCe Mischmetal market exhibited a largely stable to marginally improving trend in the first quarter of 2026 as industrial activity began to gradually recover from last year’s end-of-year slowdown.

Many manufacturers returned cautiously to procure raw materials as they received stronger signals of improved visibility of both overall economic conditions and production planning. There are some signs of stability across all global industrial metal markets.

However, demand recovery remains uneven; therefore, ultimate recovery will depend on future changes in both supply and demand. Most key industry sectors such as renewable energy, defense technologies, and hybrid vehicles have provided much of the base for structural ongoing demand for rare earth materials, including LaCe Mischmetal (used in hydrogen storage alloys) and metallurgical applications.

Meanwhile, efforts to further diversify supply chains and expand recycling efforts regarding rare earth materials are also continuing to influence how companies are developing their overall global procurement strategies.

Furthermore, the development of environmental regulations is impacting production dynamics and thus impacting the market balance as countries and regions continue to establish new policy frameworks that will affect how producers operate in their countries.

Overall, the market has been up slightly during the quarter due to consistent fundamental fundamentals and improved cautiously by demand conditions.

China: LaCe Mischmetal Export prices FOB Shanghai, China; Grade- Purity: (La35%min, Ce65%min)

In Q1 2026, the LaCe Mischmetal price trend in China inclined marginally by 0.50% when compared to Q4 2025, an effectively flat outcome that reflected the broadly stable pricing environment for this light rare earth alloy blend consumed primarily in steel desulfurization, cast iron production, hydrogen storage alloys, and pyrophoric applications.

LaCe Mischmetal, composed primarily of Lanthanum and Cerium with minor rare earths, is a relatively low-value commodity within the rare earth product spectrum, with prices constrained by the abundant availability of light rare earth concentrates from Chinese mines.

Demand from the steel sector, which uses Mischmetal as a treatment agent to modify sulfide inclusion morphology, remained steady in Q1 2026 as steelmaking activity improved. Hydrogen storage applications for nickel-metal hydride batteries, including those used in hybrid vehicles, continued to provide steady incremental demand.

China’s rare earth regulatory framework, including mining quota management and export licensing for processed rare earth products, helped maintain a degree of price discipline even in this lower-value product category.

In March 2026, LaCe Mischmetal prices in China rose by 1.50%, a small but notable monthly uptick that may reflect some seasonal demand from the steel sector as Q1 production schedules ramped post-holiday. Overall, China’s LaCe Mischmetal market delivered a marginally inclined quarter in a broadly balanced and stable pricing environment.

Lanthanum Metal Price Trend Analysis: Q4 2025

As of Q4 2025, Lanthanum Metal prices have experienced marginally increasing levels relative to the previous quarter due to consistent demand for lanthanum throughout the world, and stable supply conditions within the rare earth industry.

China has continued to lead global production and processing of rare earths creating suppliers with a sufficient balance of supply and demand to provide stabilizing pricing trends within the global market for Lanthanum Metal.

The key driver of lanthanum metal demand in the current quarter remains Petroleum Refining; specifically, due to a significant volume of lanthanum being consumed as part of Fluid Catalytic Cracking (FCC) catalysts used to enhance efficiencies of gasoline production.

In addition, steady demand for lanthanum from several major consuming sectors including Electronics, Optical Glass, and Batteries for Hybrid Vehicles in Asia provided additional support to the overall continued growth in demand for lanthanum during the quarter.

In addition, continued growth of Industrial Manufacturing in Asia and ongoing refinery operations in the Middle East and North America are elements driving global demand for lanthanum metal, further supporting the sustained support and growth within the global market for lanthanum metal experienced during Q4 2025.

China: Lanthanum Metal Export prices FOB Shanghai, China; Grade- Purity:99%min

According to Price-Watch™ , In Q4 2025, the China lanthanum metal price trend recorded a quarterly increase of 1.97% compared to the previous quarter, reflecting relatively stable supply conditions and steady downstream consumption across key industries.

Demand from petroleum refining remained a major factor supporting the market, as lanthanum is widely used in fluid catalytic cracking catalysts to enhance gasoline production efficiency. The glass and optical manufacturing sectors in Asia also maintained consistent procurement levels, supporting consumption during the quarter.

However, market sentiment remained cautious as rare earth supply from Chinese producers stayed adequate, limiting stronger price growth. International demand from regions such as Europe and North America showed gradual recovery with improving industrial activity and electronics manufacturing.

Despite the overall quarterly rise, in December 2025, Lanthanum prices in China registered a decline of 2.86%, mainly due to year-end inventory adjustments, softer procurement from catalyst manufacturers, and temporary slowdown in downstream purchasing activity, which slightly pressured market prices toward the end of the quarter.

The world market for lanthanum metal saw continued improvements, primarily in its industrial environment through increased levels of both global lanthanum metal consumption and increased levels of activity in key downstream sectors.

Petroleum refining has been a significant continued driver of demand for lanthanum as refiners used lanthanum in fluid catalytic cracking catalysts to enhance the efficiency of their fuel production processes.

Other downstream sectors, including optical glass, electronics, and polishing powders also experienced higher levels of consumption due to improved manufacturing activity taking place in Asia.

Additionally, as Chinese manufacturers continued to operate at stable production levels and supply remained in balance throughout the world, there has been a continuing improvement in the balance of trade for lanthanum.

There has been ongoing strong investment in nature-friendly and fuel-saving vehicle technologies which continued to promote demand for lanthanum-based battery materials.

Overall, in 3Q 2025, the combination of increased levels of industrial consumption of lanthanum and balanced supply conditions in the global lanthanum market led to an increase in global lanthanum metal market pricing.

China: Lanthanum Metal Export prices FOB Shanghai, China; Grade- Purity:99%min

In Q3 2025, the China lanthanum metal price trend recorded a quarterly increase of 3.05% compared to the previous quarter, reflecting stronger demand from key downstream industries and stable rare earth supply conditions.

Consumption from petroleum refining remained a major growth driver, as lanthanum is widely used in fluid catalytic cracking catalysts to improve fuel production efficiency in refineries across Asia and the Middle East.

The optical glass and electronics manufacturing sectors also supported market growth, particularly with increased production activity in China and other Asian countries. Meanwhile, steady export demand from Europe and North America contributed to stronger market sentiment as industrial manufacturing gradually improved in these regions.

Chinese producers maintained consistent output levels, ensuring stable availability while supporting controlled price increases. During the quarter, September 2025 registered a rise of 2.99% in Lanthanum metal prices in China, supported by improved downstream procurement and slightly tighter supply conditions as buyers increased purchasing to secure material for upcoming industrial demand.

According to Price-Watch™, In Q2 2025, the global lanthanum metal market began to show signs of recovery as industrial demand gradually improved across several key regions. Increased activity in petroleum refining supported stronger consumption of lanthanum-based fluid catalytic cracking catalysts.

At the same time, steady growth in optical glass manufacturing and electronics production in Asia contributed to improved downstream demand. While Chinese production remained stable, supply was better aligned with the pace of industrial consumption compared with the previous quarters.

Market participants in Europe and North America also increased procurement volumes as manufacturing activity improved. In addition, strengthening demand from hybrid vehicle battery production provided additional support to the rare earth market. These combined factors contributed to a modest upward movement in the global lanthanum metal market during Q2 2025.

In Q1 2025, the global lanthanum metal market experienced a slight decline as supply conditions remained stable while demand growth at the beginning of the year was relatively slow. Production from major rare earth suppliers in China continued to ensure sufficient market availability.

However, seasonal slowdowns in industrial activity and cautious procurement from downstream sectors such as petroleum refining, glass manufacturing, and electronics limited market momentum. Buyers in Asia, Europe, and North America focused on maintaining balanced inventories rather than expanding purchasing volumes.

Meanwhile, stable catalyst demand from refinery operations helped prevent sharper price declines. Global trade flows remained active, but competitive supplier pricing kept the market under mild pressure. Overall, balanced supply and conservative demand patterns contributed to the slight decline in the global lanthanum metal market during Q1 2025.

Lanthanum Metal Price Trend Analysis: Q4 2024

In Q4 2024, the global lanthanum metal market maintained its declining trend as the imbalance between supply and demand persisted. Rare earth production in China continued at stable levels, while downstream consumption from catalysts, glass manufacturing, and polishing powder industries remained relatively moderate. Many buyers preferred to rely on existing inventories rather than increase procurement volumes, reflecting cautious market sentiment. Slower economic momentum in several industrial regions also contributed to weaker consumption growth. Although demand from petroleum refining catalysts remained stable, it was not sufficient to offset the effects of high supply availability. Additionally, competitive export pricing among major producers placed additional pressure on global prices. These factors collectively sustained the downward movement in the lanthanum metal market during the final quarter of 2024.

In Q3 2024, the global lanthanum metal market registered another quarterly decline as oversupply conditions continued to outweigh consumption growth across key regions. Production levels in China remained steady, ensuring a consistent flow of rare earth materials into the international market. However, downstream industries such as petroleum refining, optical glass manufacturing, and polishing compounds reported stable but unspectacular demand. Weak manufacturing sentiment in parts of Europe and slower recovery in electronics production limited significant demand growth. In addition, market participants remained cautious due to macroeconomic uncertainties and fluctuating industrial activity worldwide. Export competition among Chinese suppliers also intensified, adding pressure on pricing trends. With supply levels comfortably meeting global demand and limited restocking activity, the lanthanum metal market continued its downward trajectory during Q3 2024.

In Q2 2024, the global lanthanum metal market continued to weaken as supply levels remained elevated while demand recovery from major industrial sectors progressed slowly. Chinese producers maintained consistent output from rare earth mining and processing operations, keeping global availability high. Meanwhile, demand from petroleum refining catalysts and glass manufacturing sectors remained stable but not strong enough to absorb the available supply. Buyers across Asia and Europe adopted conservative procurement strategies, focusing on inventory management rather than aggressive purchasing. Additionally, slower industrial production in parts of Europe and subdued electronics manufacturing activity limited growth in downstream consumption. Trade flows remained stable but competitive due to abundant supply from Chinese exporters. As a result, persistent supply pressure and moderate industrial demand contributed to further price softening in the global lanthanum metal market during Q2 2024.

In Q1 2024, the global lanthanum metal market experienced a slight quarterly decline as supply remained ample while downstream demand stayed relatively moderate. China, which dominates global rare earth production, maintained stable mining and separation activities, ensuring sufficient availability of lanthanum across international markets. However, procurement from petroleum refining catalyst manufacturers and glass producers remained cautious due to stable inventory levels and limited short-term consumption growth. Demand from electronics and polishing powder applications also showed only moderate expansion, preventing strong price support. In Europe and North America, slower industrial activity and controlled purchasing strategies further softened market sentiment. At the same time, steady production rates among rare earth processors increased competition in export markets. Combined with balanced supply conditions and cautious downstream buying behavior, these factors contributed to the mild downward movement in the global lanthanum metal market during Q1 2024.

Technical Specifications of Lanthanum Metal Price Trends

Product Description

Lanthanum Metal is a soft, silvery-white rare earth metal belonging to the lanthanide series, known for its high reactivity and strong reducing properties. It is primarily extracted from rare earth minerals such as monazite and bastnäsite through advanced metallurgical processes. Lanthanum exhibits good electrical conductivity and excellent hydrogen storage capability, making it valuable in various high-technology applications.

It is widely used in the production of rechargeable batteries, optical glass, catalysts, and hydrogen storage alloys. Additionally, lanthanum plays a crucial role in petroleum refining catalysts and specialized alloys that enhance material performance. Due to its unique chemical properties, lanthanum metal is an important component in electronics, renewable energy technologies, and advanced industrial applications.

Identifiers and Classification:

HS Code – 28053090
CAS Number: 7439-91-0

Lanthanum Metal Synonyms:

Rare earth metal

Lanthanum Metal Global Trade and Shipment Terms

  • Quotation Terms (Product & Country Specific): 20-30 MT
  • Packaging Type (Product & Country Specific): Steel Drum


Incoterms Referenced Lanthanum Metal Price Reporting

Shipping Term  Location  Definition 
EX-Shanghai  Shanghai, China  Domestically Traded Lanthanum metal price in China 
FOB Shanghai  Shanghai, China  Lanthanum metal Export price from China 

*Quotation Terms refers to the quantity range specified for the Lanthanum Metal being quoted or offered in a commercial transaction.

**Packaging Type refers to standard packaging size commonly used for Lanthanum Metal packing, ease of handling, transportation, and storage in industrial and commercial applications.

Key Lanthanum Metal Manufacturers

China Northern Rare Earth Group High-Tech Co., Ltd. 
China Minmetals Corporation 
Shenghe Resources Holding Co., Ltd. 
 Lynas Rare Earths Ltd. 
 MP Materials Corp. 

Lanthanum Metal Industrial Applications

Historically, several events have caused significant fluctuations in Lanthanum Metal prices

  • Export Control Disruptions (2025): China introduced export controls on several rare earth elements. Licensing delays created temporary supply uncertainty in global markets.
  • Green Energy Demand (2020–2023): Growth in hybrid vehicles and clean energy technologies increased demand for rare earth elements. Lanthanum demand rose due to its use in batteries, catalysts, and automotive applications.
  • Trade War Uncertainty (2019): US–China trade tensions raised fears of rare earth export restrictions. Prices briefly rose due to geopolitical concerns.
  • Molycorp Bankruptcy (2015): The U.S. rare earth company Molycorp filed for bankruptcy, removing a major non-Chinese supplier from the market.
  • Market Collapse (Late 2011–2015): After the peak, demand weakened and new supply entered the market. Prices fell sharply as oversupply and regulatory pressure forced market correction.

 

These events underscore the Lanthanum Metal market’s sensitivity to supply disruptions, industrial demand shifts, and geopolitical or policy interventions, highlighting the importance of monitoring both global supply and domestic consumption patterns.

Why Price Watch™?

Price Watch™ is your trusted resource for tracking global lanthanum metal price trends. Our platform delivers real-time data and expert analysis, offering deep insights into the key factors driving price fluctuations in the lanthanum metal market. By monitoring critical events such as geopolitical tensions, supply chain disruptions, and economic shifts, Price Watch™ keeps you fully informed of market dynamics.

In addition, Price Watch™ provides detailed forecasts and updates on production capacities, enabling you to anticipate market changes and make well-informed decisions. With Price Watch™, you gain a competitive edge in understanding all the elements that influence lanthanum metal prices worldwide. Stay ahead of the curve with Price Watch’s™ reliable, accurate, and timely lanthanum metal market data.

Track Price Watch's™ lanthanum metal price assessment on a weekly basis since 2015 onwards, along with short-term forecasts, and get access to the detailed report in a downloadable format.

Lanthanum Metal Market Price Trend published by Price Watch™ reflect prevailing spot market conditions, derived from independent research, verified trade inputs, and proprietary market intelligence as of the publication date. Prices are published on the specified Incoterm and represent indicative base market levels, exclusive of applicable taxes, VAT, duties, tariffs, and other statutory charges. Actual transaction values may vary depending on volume, credit terms, contractual structure, and other negotiated conditions. Market prices are inherently subject to volatility, liquidity dynamics, regulatory changes, and evolving trade activity. The information provided is for reference and benchmarking purposes only and does not constitute an offer, recommendation, or guarantee of transactional outcomes. Users should exercise independent commercial judgment and assess their specific contractual, regulatory, tax, and application requirements before making business decisions. Price Watch™ assumes no liability for decisions taken based on this information.

Lanthanum Metal is a soft, silvery-white rare-earth metal (symbol La, atomic number 57) used in batteries, catalysts, optical glasses, and specialty alloys. Its price matters because fluctuations affect the cost of electric vehicle batteries, catalytic converters, specialty glass, and high-tech materials. Price-Watch™ tracks these prices to help businesses and consumers understand and stay updated with the market trends.

Lanthanum prices fluctuate based on purity, form (ingot, powder, pellets), order volume, and regional supply-demand conditions. Prices are usually quoted per kilogram or metric ton. Price-Watch™ provides real-time price assessments across different global markets to help buyers and sellers make informed decisions.

Lanthanum prices are influenced by demand for EV batteries, catalysts, specialty glass, and electronics. Supply factors include rare-earth mining output, chemical processing capacity, recycling rates, and geopolitical issues affecting major producing countries. Energy costs and global economic conditions also impact prices.

Lanthanum Metal is mainly used by battery manufacturers, catalyst producers, and the optical/specialty glass industries, with additional demand from metallurgical and chemical sectors. Price-Watch™ analyses demand patterns across all these industries.

Lanthanum is produced from rare-earth ores, mainly bastnäsite and monazite, through chemical extraction and refining processes. Major producers include China, Australia, USA, and India. Recycling of lanthanum-containing materials also contributes to supply.

China dominates global exports, followed by smaller volumes from Australia and the USA. Export volumes are influenced by industrial demand, trade policies, and global market activity. Price-Watch™ tracks production levels, export flows and trade patterns to help businesses understand global supply chains and identify sourcing opportunities.

Long-term supply generally aligns with demand, but short-term shortages can occur due to mine closures, processing constraints, recycling bottlenecks, or sudden EV battery demand spikes. Price-Watch™ monitors these supply-demand imbalances to alert the market about potential shortages or surpluses.

Grades vary by purity and form, with high-purity Lanthanum (>99.9%) used in electronics and catalysts, and industrial-grade (~99%) used in alloys and glass. Prices differ due to purity, particle size, and material form. Price-Watch™ provides separate price assessments for each grade to ensure market transparency.

A surge in demand (e.g., for EV batteries or catalysts) can tighten supply, increase lead times, and push prices higher. Spot availability may decline while contract prices adjust upward. Price-Watch™ captures these market dynamics in real-time.

Lanthanum production is energy-intensive, especially during ore processing and chemical extraction. Higher electricity or fuel costs increase manufacturing expenses, potentially raising market prices. This is why prices in regions with cheaper electricity tend to be lower, a correlation that Price-Watch™ analyses in its price assessments & market reports.

Price variations arise from local production capacity, import dependency, logistics costs, currency fluctuations, and trade regulations. Regions with high battery or catalyst demand may also see premiums. Price-Watch™ tracks prices across all major regions to highlight these differences.

Forecasts consider global rare-earth production, EV battery demand, industrial growth, recycling trends, and macroeconomic factors. Price-Watch™ regularly publishes detailed forecasts that project price movements for the next 12 months based on comprehensive analysis of supply additions, demand growth in key industries, seasonal patterns, and macroeconomic indicators. Our forecasts help businesses anticipate market conditions and plan accordingly.

Yes. Forecasts help businesses plan procurement, manage inventory, and lock in contracts before price changes. If Price-Watch™ forecasts predict a price increase in three months, you might choose to stock up now or lock in long-term contracts at current rates, potentially saving thousands of dollars.

Events such as geopolitical tensions, mining restrictions, trade disputes, or sudden surges in battery demand can significantly impact supply and prices. Price-Watch™ provides timely alerts when such events affect the market.

Price-Watch™ collects data from manufacturers, distributors, and buyers worldwide to publish regular price assessments, market reports, and forecasts. Our transparent methodology and comprehensive coverage make us a trusted source for understanding fair pricing and market trends in the Lanthanum Metal industry.

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