EU increases rare earth metal imports and exports in 2025

Following a sharp decline in 2024, the European Union's rare earth metals trade has recovered. According to Eurostat data, imports grew 17.1% in 2025 and exports rose 21.1%. China remained the largest supplier, followed by Russia and Malaysia.

The European Union's rare earth metals trade recovered significantly in 2025, Eurostat reported. Following a sharp decline in 2024, imports grew 17.1%, reaching 15,100 tonnes, and exports increased 21.1%, reaching 6,700 tonnes.

Financial volumes grew even faster

In monetary terms, growth was even faster: imports increased 23.2% and reached €124.9 million. Exports grew 29.9% and reached €124.7 million, almost the same level as imports.

Rare earth metals are a group of 17 metals considered critical raw materials due to high supply risks and economic importance. They are widely used in electronics manufacturing, including smartphones and computers, as well as in medical devices, renewable energy technologies, electric vehicles, and other high-tech sectors.

China remains dominant supplier

China remained the largest supplier of rare earth metals to the EU in 2025, accounting for 46.8% of total imports, approximately 7,100 tonnes.

Russia came in second with a 25.9% share, which represented 3,900 tonnes. Malaysia held third place with 23.1%, or 3,500 tonnes. These were followed by Japan with 1.6% and the US with 0.9%.

The large share of rare earth metals from Russia is particularly noteworthy from a strategic perspective, given the EU's efforts to reduce dependence on Russian resources following the full-scale invasion of Ukraine that began in 2022.