Terbium price (terbium oxide)
Terbium is traded mainly as terbium oxide (Tb4O7) and as metal or dysprosium-iron alloy for magnet makers. It keeps NdFeB magnets strong at high temperature. China has required export licences since April 2025, so prices outside China now differ sharply from Chinese prices.
By RareMetals.net Editorial Team · Prices checked
Current terbium oxide price
- China, Nov 5, 2026
- about $951/kg
- China domestic (incl. VAT), 99.99%
- Outside China, Nov 5, 2026
- $7,300-8,300/kg
- Europe spot (SMM); few trades, little material available
Sources: SMM rare earth weekly review, 5 Nov 2026; SMM, European rare earth prices, 5 Nov 2026. Minor-metal and rare earth markets are thin and assessments differ by provider, so ranges are shown. Yuan prices converted at 6.6 yuan per US dollar.
Last supplier list price on file: $1,785.10/kg (Oxide (Tb4O7), Tb4O7/TREO min. 99.99%; TRADIUM, ). This list is out of date and is shown for reference only.
All rare earth and rare metal prices · How we collect prices
Terbium price history, 2021-2025 (USGS)
Annual averages from the U.S. Geological Survey, the latest official series. They show the trend up to 2025; compare them with the current prices above.
| Year | Price |
|---|---|
| 2021 | $1,340 |
| 2022 | $2,050 |
| 2023 | $1,300 |
| 2024 | $812 |
| 2025e | $1,010 |
Source: U.S. Geological Survey, Mineral Commodity Summaries 2026.
What moves the terbium price?
China’s export licences
Since 4 April 2025 exporters in China need a licence for dysprosium and terbium oxides, metals and alloys. Chinese domestic prices and prices paid in Europe and the US have moved apart since then.
High-temperature magnets
EV traction motors and wind turbines need magnets that keep their strength at 150-200 °C, which takes a few percent of dysprosium or terbium.
Ion-adsorption clay supply
Most heavy rare earths come from clay deposits in southern China and northern Burma (Myanmar). Disruption in Burma’s Kachin State has repeatedly cut supply.
New separation outside China
Lynas began separating dysprosium and terbium in Malaysia in 2025. In the US, Energy Fuels made its first terbium oxide in March 2026 and MP Materials was commissioning heavy rare earth separation at Mountain Pass in 2026. Volumes are still small next to demand.
Export-control dates for every rare earth: China's rare earth export controls.
Where terbium comes from
Production of individual heavy rare earths is not published. China and Burma supply most heavy rare earths; US imports of terbium compounds came 100% from China in 2021-24 (USGS).
Uses, sources and properties: terbium element guide. Country totals: rare earth reserves and production by country.
Terbium price FAQ
How much is terbium worth per kg?
The current price is about $951/kg in China (Nov 5, 2026) and $7,300-8,300/kg outside China (Nov 5, 2026). In Europe prices are many times higher because little licensed material leaves China. The 2025 average in China was about $1,010/kg (USGS).
Why is terbium so expensive?
Terbium makes up a tiny share of most rare earth ores and comes mainly from clay deposits in China and Burma. It is needed in high-temperature magnets, and China has required export licences since April 2025.
Why are terbium prices higher outside China?
Export licences restrict how much leaves China and add weeks of delay. Buyers in Europe and the US compete for licensed material and new non-Chinese supply, so they pay a premium over Chinese domestic prices.
What is terbium used for?
Mainly to keep NdFeB magnets working at high temperature. See terbium uses, supply and properties.
Related prices
Prices are for information only and are not an offer to buy or sell, or investment advice (disclaimer). If you quote this page, please credit "RareMetals.net" and link to it.