Yttrium is a valuable rare earth. Chemicals containing it are widely used in industry, including semiconductor, aircraft manufacturing and energy.
The ongoing trade war between China and the United States has a significant impact on pricing in the rare earth metals market. The latter are one of the main consumers of rare earths, while China is their largest supplier to the world market.
Total dependence on China: from 2020 to 2023, the United States imported 93% of yttrium in the form of a metal and compounds containing it in their composition from China. Germany accounted for 3%, while the rest of the world accounted for another 4%.
The supply of yttrium from China to the United States was completely stopped back in April 2025 and has not resumed since.
