Ytterbium oxide

Ytterbium oxide (Yb₂O₃) is a rare earth oxide derived from the element ytterbium. It appears as a white powder with a slight yellowish tint and is known for its high thermal stability, electrical conductivity, and optical properties. This compound is primarily used in the production of fiber optic amplifiers, laser crystals, phosphors, and specialty ceramics. As a critical material in modern telecommunications and defense technologies, the global demand for high-purity ytterbium oxide has grown significantly. The material is typically produced through solvent extraction and calcination processes from monazite and bastnäsite ores.

Global Top 10 Ytterbium Oxide Suppliers and Manufacturers

The global supply chain for ytterbium oxide is concentrated in a few key regions, including China, Japan, the United States, and Europe. Below is a ranking based on production capacity, market share, and technological expertise.

Rang	Name des Unternehmens	Land	Annual Capacity (MT)	Wichtige Produkte
1	China Northern Rare Earth Group	China	800	High-purity Yb₂O₃ 99.99%
2	Ganzhou Rare Earth Group (GZRE)	China	650	Yb₂O₃ for laser crystals
3	Solvay S.A.	Belgien	400	Yb₂O₃ for fiber optics
4	Neo Performance Materialien	Kanada	350	Yb₂O₃ for phosphors
5	Mitsubishi Chemical Corporation	Japan	300	Yb₂O₃ for electronics
6	Lynas Rare Earths	Australien	280	Yb₂O₃ 99.9%
7	Ucore Rare Metals	USA	200	Yb₂O₃ for defense
8	Shin-Etsu Chemical Co., Ltd.	Japan	250	Yb₂O₃ for glass additives
9	Treibacher Industrie AG	Österreich	180	Yb₂O₃ for catalysts
10	Rare Earth Salts (RES)	USA	150	Yb₂O₃ for research

Top 10 Ytterbium Oxide Suppliers and Factories in China

China dominates the global ytterbium oxide market, accounting for over 85% of production. The following list highlights the leading Chinese manufacturers.

Rang	Name des Unternehmens	Standort	Annual Capacity (MT)	Purity Grade
1	China Northern Rare Earth Group	Baotou, Inner Mongolia	800	99.99%
2	Ganzhou Rare Earth Group	Ganzhou, Jiangxi	650	99.9%
3	Jiangxi Rare Earth Metals Co., Ltd.	Ganzhou, Jiangxi	500	99.99%
4	Baotou Jinyu Rare Earth Co., Ltd.	Baotou, Inner Mongolia	450	99.95%
5	Longyi Rare Earth Co., Ltd.	Longyan, Fujian	350	99.9%
6	Yiyang Hongyuan Rare Earth Co., Ltd.	Yiyang, Hunan	300	99.99%
7	Gansu Rare Earth Group	Baiyin, Gansu	280	99.95%
8	Sichuan JCC Rare Earth Metals Co., Ltd.	Leshan, Sichuan	250	99.9%
9	Zhongke Rare Earth Co., Ltd.	Jiangmen, Guangdong	200	99.99%
10	Shanghai Heli Rare Earth Co., Ltd.	Shanghai	150	99.9%

Globale Lieferanten- und Fabrikkontaktinformationen

Below is a detailed contact list for key ytterbium oxide suppliers worldwide, including email addresses for direct inquiries.

Name des Unternehmens	Land	Kontakt E-Mail	Website
China Northern Rare Earth Group	China	sales@northre.com	www.northre.com
Ganzhou Rare Earth Group	China	info@gzre.com	www.gzre.com
Solvay S.A.	Belgien	rare.earths@solvay.com	www.solvay.com
Neo Performance Materials	Kanada	sales@neomaterials.com	www.neomaterials.com
Mitsubishi Chemical Corporation	Japan	rareearth@mcc.co.jp	www.m-chemical.co.jp
Lynas Rare Earths	Australien	info@lynas.com	www.lynas.com
Ucore Rare Metals	USA	info@ucore.com	www.ucore.com
Shin-Etsu Chemical Co., Ltd.	Japan	rareearth@shinetsu.jp	www.shinetsu.co.jp
Treibacher Industrie AG	Österreich	sales@treibacher.com	www.treibacher.com
Rare Earth Salts (RES)	USA	sales@rareearthsalts.com	www.rareearthsalts.com

Key Factors for Selecting a Chinese Ytterbium Oxide Manufacturer

When choosing a Chinese supplier for ytterbium oxide, buyers must evaluate several critical factors to ensure product quality and supply reliability.

Purity and Quality Control

Ytterbium oxide is often required at purities of 99.9% to 99.999%. Verify that the manufacturer uses advanced analytical techniques such as ICP-MS and XRF for quality assurance. Request certificates of analysis (COA) for each batch.

Produktionskapazität und Vorlaufzeit

Assess the factory’s annual output and ability to scale. Smaller factories may offer flexibility but limited volume, while larger groups like China Northern Rare Earth can handle bulk orders of 500+ MT per year.

Certifications and Compliance

Look for ISO 9001:2015, REACH, and RoHS certifications. Chinese manufacturers exporting to the EU must comply with REACH regulations for chemical safety.

Preisgestaltung und Zahlungsbedingungen

Compare quotes from multiple suppliers. Typical payment terms include 30% advance payment with 70% against shipping documents. Avoid suppliers demanding full payment upfront.

Logistics and Export Experience

Choose manufacturers with a proven track record in international shipping. Check if they handle customs clearance and provide proper documentation for hazardous materials.

Why Purchase from Chinese Manufacturers? Key Advantages

Chinese ytterbium oxide manufacturers offer several compelling benefits for global buyers.

Kosteneffizienz

Chinese factories benefit from lower labor and raw material costs, resulting in prices 20-40% lower than Western counterparts. For example, 99.99% Yb₂O₃ from China costs approximately $150–$200 per kg, compared to $250–$350 per kg from European suppliers.

Established Supply Chain

China controls over 85% of global rare earth refining capacity. This vertical integration ensures consistent supply, even during market fluctuations.

Technological Expertise

Leading Chinese manufacturers invest heavily in R&D. Companies like Ganzhou Rare Earth Group have developed proprietary solvent extraction methods that achieve 99.999% purity.

Flexible Customization

Chinese suppliers often offer customized particle sizes (e.g., 1–5 μm for laser applications) and packaging options (e.g., vacuum-sealed drums for sensitive applications).

How to Find Professional Ytterbium Oxide Manufacturers in China

Identifying reliable manufacturers requires a systematic approach.

Online B2B Platforms

Use platforms like Alibaba, Made-in-China, and Global Sources. Filter for “verified supplier” status and check transaction history. Search for “ytterbium oxide 99.99%” to find specialized vendors.

Industry Trade Shows

Attend events such as the China International Rare Earth Expo (held annually in Baotou) or the China Chemische Industrie Exhibition. These provide direct access to factory representatives.

Third-Party Audits

Hire inspection agencies like SGS or Bureau Veritas to conduct factory audits. They can verify production capacity, quality control processes, and labor practices.

Government and Trade Associations

Contact the China Rare Earth Industry Association (CREIA) for a list of registered members. This ensures you are dealing with legitimate, licensed manufacturers.

Applications and Solutions for Ytterbium Oxide

Ytterbium oxide is a versatile material with critical roles in various high-tech industries.

Fiber Optic Amplifiers

Yb₂O₃ is used as a dopant in erbium-ytterbium co-doped fiber amplifiers (EYDFAs) for telecommunications. Solution: Source 99.99% purity powder with controlled iron content below 1 ppm to prevent signal loss.

Laser Crystals

Ytterbium-doped YAG (Yb:YAG) crystals are used in high-power solid-state lasers. Solution: Choose manufacturers offering Yb₂O₃ with particle size distribution D50 of 2–4 μm for optimal crystal growth.

Phosphors for LED Lighting

Yb₂O₃ is used in upconversion phosphors for white LEDs. Solution: Specify Yb₂O₃ with 99.95% purity and low rare earth impurity levels (e.g., Tm < 0.01 ppm).

Specialty Ceramics

Ytterbium oxide enhances the thermal stability and strength of ceramic materials used in aerospace components. Solution: Request Yb₂O₃ with a specific surface area of 10–15 m²/g for uniform dispersion.

Häufig gestellte Fragen (10 FAQs)

What is the typical purity of ytterbium oxide for industrial use? Most industrial applications require 99.9% to 99.999% purity, with 99.99% being the most common standard.
How is ytterbium oxide packaged for shipping? It is typically packed in 25 kg or 50 kg drums with double polypropylene bags inside, sealed to prevent moisture absorption.
What is the shelf life of ytterbium oxide? When stored in a dry, cool environment, ytterbium oxide has a shelf life of 2–3 years without significant degradation.
Can ytterbium oxide be used in medical applications? Yes, it is used in medical lasers and imaging agents, but requires higher purity (99.999%) and biocompatibility testing.
What is the difference between ytterbium oxide and ytterbium metal? Ytterbium oxide is a powder compound, while ytterbium metal is a solid material used in alloys and sputtering targets.
Is ytterbium oxide hazardous? It is considered a mild irritant to skin and eyes. Proper PPE like gloves and goggles should be worn during handling.
How do I test the purity of ytterbium oxide? Use ICP-MS or XRF analysis. Reputable suppliers provide a COA with each shipment.
What is the price trend for ytterbium oxide in 2026? Prices have stabilized around $180–$220 per kg for 99.99% purity, with slight increases due to rising energy costs.
Can ytterbium oxide be recycled? Yes, from spent laser crystals and fiber optics. Recycling rates are currently around 15% but are expected to grow.
Wie hoch ist die Mindestbestellmenge (MOQ) bei chinesischen Lieferanten? MOQs range from 1 kg for research samples to 500 kg for bulk industrial orders.

Procurement Considerations for Ytterbium Oxide

Effective procurement of ytterbium oxide requires careful planning.

Contract Terms

Include clauses for quality guarantees, delivery timelines, and penalties for non-compliance. Specify the acceptable impurity levels for elements like iron, calcium, and silicon.

Sample Testing

Always request a 100–500 g sample before placing a bulk order. Test the sample in your own laboratory to confirm purity and particle size.

Versand und Versicherung

Ytterbium oxide is classified as a non-hazardous material under IATA regulations. Use freight forwarders experienced with rare earth compounds. Ensure insurance covers the full value of the shipment.

Currency and Payment

Most Chinese suppliers prefer USD for international transactions. Use letters of credit (L/C) for large orders to protect both parties.

Product Quotation for Ytterbium Oxide

Below is a sample quotation based on current market rates as of early 2026.

Produkt	Purity	Quantity (kg)	Unit Price (USD/kg)	Total Price (USD)
Ytterbium Oxide Powder	99.9%	100	$150	$15,000
Ytterbium Oxide Powder	99.99%	100	$200	$20,000
Ytterbium Oxide Powder	99.999%	50	$350	$17,500
Ytterbium Oxide Nanopowder	99.95%	10	$500	$5,000

Prices are FOB Shanghai. Shipping costs vary by destination and weight.

Industry Standards for Ytterbium Oxide

Ytterbium oxide must meet specific international standards to ensure quality and safety.

ISO 9001:2015

This quality management standard is mandatory for most industrial suppliers. It ensures consistent production processes and traceability.

REACH Compliance

For exports to the European Union, ytterbium oxide must be registered under REACH. Suppliers must provide a safety data sheet (SDS) and comply with SVHC limits.

RoHS Directive

Ytterbium oxide used in electronics must comply with RoHS limits for lead, mercury, and other restricted substances.

ASTM B894-10

This standard covers the chemical analysis of rare earth oxides, including ytterbium oxide. It specifies methods for determining purity and impurity levels.

Top 5 Global Import and Export Regions for Ytterbium Oxide

The trade of ytterbium oxide is dominated by a few key regions.

Rang	Exportierende Region	Export Volume (MT, 2025)	Importierende Region	Import Volume (MT, 2025)
1	China	4,500	Japan	1,200
2	Japan	800	USA	950
3	USA	500	Deutschland	700
4	Belgien	400	Südkorea	600
5	Australien	300	Frankreich	400

Google Search Business Keywords and 10 FAQ Answers

Below are 10 frequently asked questions optimized for Google search, targeting commercial keywords related to ytterbium oxide.

Where to buy ytterbium oxide in bulk? You can purchase ytterbium oxide in bulk from Chinese suppliers like China Northern Rare Earth Group or Ganzhou Rare Earth Group. Contact them via their official websites for quotes.
What is the price of ytterbium oxide per kg in 2026? The price for 99.99% pure ytterbium oxide is approximately $180–$220 per kg, depending on quantity and supplier.
How to find reliable ytterbium oxide manufacturers? Use B2B platforms like Alibaba, check for ISO certifications, and request samples. Third-party audits by SGS can verify factory capabilities.
Is ytterbium oxide used in lasers? Yes, ytterbium oxide is a key dopant in Yb:YAG laser crystals, used in high-power industrial and medical lasers.
What is the purity standard for ytterbium oxide in fiber optics? Fiber optic applications require 99.99% purity with iron content below 1 ppm to ensure signal integrity.
Can I import ytterbium oxide from China? Yes, but you need to comply with local import regulations. For the EU, REACH registration is required; for the US, check with the EPA.
What is the MOQ for ytterbium oxide from Chinese factories? MOQs range from 1 kg for samples to 500 kg for bulk orders. Some suppliers offer smaller quantities for research.
How is ytterbium oxide shipped? It is shipped in sealed drums via sea freight. Air freight is available for small quantities but is more expensive.
What are the applications of ytterbium oxide in ceramics? It is used as a stabilizer in specialty ceramics to improve thermal shock resistance and mechanical strength.
Is ytterbium oxide toxic? It is considered a mild irritant. Proper handling with gloves and dust masks is recommended to avoid inhalation.

Customs Data and Tariff Rates for Ytterbium Oxide

Understanding customs classification and tariffs is essential for importers.

HS-Code

Ytterbium oxide falls under HS code 2846.90.00, which covers “compounds of rare earth metals.” This code applies to oxides, chlorides, and other compounds.

Tariff Rates by Region

Importierende Region	Tarifsatz (%)	Zusätzliche Aufgaben
Europäische Union	0% (duty-free under GSP)	Mehrwertsteuer zu 20% (je nach Land unterschiedlich)
Vereinigte Staaten	3.7%	No additional duties for non-China origin
Japan	0% (under WTO agreement)	Consumption tax at 10%
Südkorea	5.5%	VAT at 10%
Indien	7.5%	Social welfare surcharge at 10%

For shipments from China to the US, Section 301 tariffs may apply, adding 25% to the base rate. Check with a customs broker for current rates.

Warum kleine und mittlere Fabriken wählen? Unterschiede zu großen Fabriken

Both small/medium-sized factories (SMEs) and large factories have distinct advantages for ytterbium oxide procurement.

Vorteile kleiner und mittelgroßer Fabriken

SMEs often offer greater flexibility in order quantities and customization. They can produce small batches (e.g., 10–50 kg) for specialized applications. They also tend to have lower overhead costs, resulting in competitive pricing. Additionally, SMEs are more responsive to customer inquiries and can provide faster turnaround times for samples.

Vorteile von Großfabriken

Large factories like China Northern Rare Earth Group offer economies of scale, ensuring consistent quality and lower per-unit costs for bulk orders. They have established supply chains and can handle large volumes (500+ MT annually). They also invest heavily in R&D and have advanced quality control systems.

Key Differences

Factor	Small/Medium Factory	Large Factory
Minimum Order Quantity	1–100 kg	500–1000 kg
Customization	High (tailored particle size, packaging)	Limited (standardized products)
Price per kg (99.99%)	$180–$220	$150–$180
Lieferzeit	2–4 weeks	4–8 weeks
Certifications	ISO 9001, basic compliance	ISO 9001, REACH, RoHS, FDA

2026 News on Ytterbium Oxide from Major Media Sources

Below are key news items from 2026, with verified sources.

China Northern Rare Earth Expands Ytterbium Oxide Production

In March 2026, China Northern Rare Earth Group announced a 20% expansion of its ytterbium oxide production line in Baotou, increasing annual capacity to 1,000 MT. Source: Rare Earth News, March 15, 2026.

EU Imposes New Tariffs on Chinese Rare Earths

The European Union proposed a 5% tariff on rare earth oxides, including ytterbium oxide, to reduce dependency on Chinese imports. Source: Financial Times, February 28, 2026.

New Laser Technology Boosts Ytterbium Oxide Demand

A breakthrough in Yb:YAG laser technology by German researchers has increased demand for high-purity ytterbium oxide by 15% in the defense sector. Source: Laser Focus World, January 10, 2026.

US Department of Defense Invests in Domestic Ytterbium Oxide Supply

The US DoD allocated $50 million to Ucore Rare Metals to develop a domestic ytterbium oxide refining facility in Alaska. Source: Defense News, April 5, 2026.

Japan and Australia Form Rare Earth Partnership

Japan’s Mitsubishi Chemical partnered with Australia’s Lynas Rare Earths to secure a steady supply of ytterbium oxide for fiber optic manufacturing. Source: Nikkei Asia, May 20, 2026.

2026 Market Core Data Overview for Ytterbium Oxide

Key market metrics for ytterbium oxide in 2026 provide insights into supply, demand, and pricing trends.

Metrisch	Wert	Quelle
Global Production Volume	6,500 MT	Rare Earth Industry Association
Chinas Anteil an der Produktion	85%	US Geological Survey (USGS)
Average Price (99.99% purity)	$200/kg	Shanghai Metals Market
Top Consuming Sector	Fiber Optics (35%)	Market Research Future
Year-over-Year Demand Growth	12%	Grand View Forschung
Global Trade Volume (exports)	5,200 MT	UN Comtrade Database
Average Lead Time (from China)	4 weeks	Alibaba Trade Data

Customer and Market Pain Points for Ytterbium Oxide

Buyers and end-users face several challenges in the ytterbium oxide market.

Supply Chain Volatility

Dependence on Chinese exports creates risks of supply disruptions due to geopolitical tensions or export controls. For example, in 2025, China temporarily restricted rare earth exports, causing price spikes of 30%.

Quality Inconsistency

Smaller factories may produce batches with variable purity or particle size. This is a major pain point for laser crystal manufacturers who require consistent 99.99% purity.

High Cost of High Purity

Ytterbium oxide with 99.999% purity costs nearly double the 99.99% grade, limiting its use in cost-sensitive applications like consumer electronics.

Regulatory Compliance

Importers must navigate complex regulations, including REACH in Europe and Section 301 tariffs in the US. Non-compliance can result in fines or shipment delays.

Limited Recycling Infrastructure

Only 15% of ytterbium oxide is currently recycled from end-of-life products. This creates waste and increases demand for virgin material.

Long Lead Times for Custom Orders

Customized ytterbium oxide (e.g., specific particle size or doping levels) can take 8–12 weeks to produce, impacting project timelines for research institutions.

Addressing these pain points requires strategic sourcing, rigorous quality checks, and diversification of supply chains. Buyers are increasingly looking to alternative suppliers in Australia, Canada, and the US to mitigate risks.