Price

Erbium Pricing and Market Data

Erbium oxide prices range from $30-45/kg, making it moderately priced among the rare earths. The market is small (~720 tonnes/year) with no exchange-traded contracts. Prices are reported by Asian Metals based on Chinese domestic transactions. Demand is driven by the telecom industry (erbium-doped fiber amplifiers) and specialty glass markets. The 2010-2011 rare earth crisis affected erbium prices, though less dramatically than neodymium or dysprosium given its smaller market size and more stable demand profile.

Pricing Mechanisms

Erbium is priced using benchmarks from Asian Metals. Erbium pricing operates through a combination of exchange-based benchmarks, price reporting agency assessments, bilateral negotiation, and long-term offtake contracts. The specific mechanism depends on product form, grade, and the buyer-seller relationship.

Price History and Notable Market Events

The Erbium market has been shaped by the following key events:

Price Drivers

Key factors influencing Erbium prices include production levels in China (95% of global supply), demand from fiber optic amplifiers and laser technology, inventory levels, energy costs, and government policy actions such as export restrictions or strategic stockpiling.

Spot vs. Contract Pricing

The Erbium market features both spot transactions and longer-term contracts. Spot prices reflect current conditions and are more volatile, while multi-year offtake agreements provide supply security for both producers and consumers. Current spot pricing is in the range of 35-55 $/kg oxide.