Uses & Applications

Applications and End-Uses for Terbium

Terbium (Tb) is a high-criticality rare earth element with a diverse range of industrial and technological applications. As global demand for advanced materials intensifies, understanding where and how Terbium is consumed provides essential context for supply chain planning, investment analysis, and policy development.

Key Applications

The primary end-uses of Terbium span multiple sectors, each contributing to its classification as a critical material. The following applications represent the most significant sources of global demand:

• Permanent magnets (NdFeB additive) — Terbium plays a vital role in permanent magnets (ndfeb additive), where its unique physical and chemical properties provide performance advantages that are difficult to replicate with alternative materials.
• Green phosphors for displays — Terbium plays a vital role in green phosphors for displays, where its unique physical and chemical properties provide performance advantages that are difficult to replicate with alternative materials.
• Solid-state devices — Terbium plays a vital role in solid-state devices, where its unique physical and chemical properties provide performance advantages that are difficult to replicate with alternative materials.
• Magnetostrictive alloys (Terfenol-D) — Terbium plays a vital role in magnetostrictive alloys (terfenol-d), where its unique physical and chemical properties provide performance advantages that are difficult to replicate with alternative materials.

Sector Breakdown

The largest consuming sector for Terbium is permanent magnets (ndfeb additive), which accounts for a substantial share of global demand. The second most significant application is green phosphors for displays, which has shown strong growth in recent years driven by technology adoption and regulatory requirements. Emerging applications across clean energy, defense, and advanced manufacturing are expected to expand the demand profile for Terbium in the coming decade.

Demand Outlook

With a criticality level of high and a supply risk rating of high, the demand trajectory for Terbium is closely monitored by governments and industry analysts. Its inclusion on the USGS critical minerals list underscores the strategic importance of securing stable supply for domestic industries. The European Union has similarly recognized its importance through inclusion on the EU Critical Raw Materials list. Growing demand from electrification, digitalization, and defense modernization programs is expected to place additional pressure on existing supply chains.