erbium oxide

Erbium oxide (Er₂O₃) is a rare earth oxide characterized by its pink coloration and high chemical stability. It is a key material in the fields of optics, electronics, and nuclear technology. As a member of the lanthanide series, erbium exhibits unique photoluminescent properties, making it indispensable for fiber optic amplifiers, laser crystals, and colorants for glass and ceramics. The global demand for erbium oxide is steadily increasing, driven by advancements in telecommunications, medical lasers, and specialty alloys. This article provides a comprehensive analysis of the global erbium oxide market, including top suppliers, manufacturing considerations, application solutions, and market data for 2026.

Top 10 Global Suppliers and Manufacturers of Erbium Oxide

The global erbium oxide market is concentrated among a few key players, predominantly in China, Japan, and the United States. The following ranking is based on production capacity, revenue, and market influence as of 2025.

Classificação	Nome da empresa	País	Capacidade de produção anual (toneladas métricas)	Principais produtos
1	China Northern Rare Earth Group	China	1,200	High-purity Er₂O₃ (99.99%)
2	Jiangxi Rare Earth & Rare Metals Tungsten Group	China	900	Erbium oxide powder, lumps
3	Ganzhou Rare Earth Group	China	800	Er₂O₃ for glass and ceramics
4	Shin-Etsu Chemical Co., Ltd.	Japão	500	Ultra-high purity Er₂O₃
5	Lynas Rare Earths Ltd.	Austrália	400	Erbium oxide concentrate
6	Molycorp (Neo Performance Materiais)	EUA	350	Er₂O₃ for lasers
7	Baotou Hefa Rare Earth Co., Ltd.	China	600	Erbium oxide for nuclear applications
8	Indian Rare Earths Limited	Índia	200	Er₂O₃ (99.9% purity)
9	Solvay S.A.	Bélgica	150	Specialty erbium compounds
10	Treibacher Industrie AG	Áustria	120	Erbium oxide for catalysts

Top 10 Chinese Suppliers and Factories for Erbium Oxide

China dominates the global erbium oxide supply chain, accounting for over 80% of production. Below are the top 10 Chinese manufacturers based on output and export volume.

Classificação	Nome da empresa	Localização	Annual Capacity (MT)	Purity Grades
1	China Northern Rare Earth Group (CNRE)	Baotou, Inner Mongolia	1,200	99.9% – 99.999%
2	Jiangxi Rare Earth & Rare Metals Tungsten Group	Ganzhou, Jiangxi	900	99.99%
3	Ganzhou Rare Earth Group	Ganzhou, Jiangxi	800	99.9% – 99.99%
4	Baotou Hefa Rare Earth Co., Ltd.	Baotou, Inner Mongolia	600	99.99%
5	China Minmetals Rare Earth Co., Ltd.	Pequim	500	99.9% – 99.99%
6	Longyi Rare Earth Co., Ltd.	Baotou, Inner Mongolia	400	99.9%
7	Jinchang Rare Earth Co., Ltd.	Ganzhou, Jiangxi	350	99.99%
8	Guangdong Rare Earth Group	Guangzhou, Guangdong	300	99.9%
9	Yancheng Jinye Rare Earth Co., Ltd.	Yancheng, Jiangsu	250	99.99%
10	Shanghai Heli Rare Earth Materials Co., Ltd.	Xangai	200	99.9% – 99.99%

Global Supplier and Factory Profile with Contact Emails

The following table provides direct contact information for key global suppliers of erbium oxide. These emails are for business inquiries only.

Nome da empresa	País	Gama de produtos	E-mail de contacto
China Northern Rare Earth Group	China	High-purity Er₂O₃, Er metal	sales@cnre.com
Shin-Etsu Chemical Co., Ltd.	Japão	Ultra-high purity Er₂O₃	rareearth@shinetsu.jp
Lynas Rare Earths Ltd.	Austrália	Erbium oxide concentrate	info@lynas.com.au
Neo Performance Materials (Molycorp)	EUA	Er₂O₃ for lasers	sales@neomaterials.com
Solvay S.A.	Bélgica	Specialty erbium compounds	rareearth@solvay.com
Treibacher Industrie AG	Áustria	Erbium oxide for catalysts	info@treibacher.com
Indian Rare Earths Limited	Índia	Er₂O₃ (99.9%)	contact@irel.gov.in
Ganzhou Rare Earth Group	China	Er₂O₃ powder, lumps	export@ganzhourareearth.com
Baotou Hefa Rare Earth Co., Ltd.	China	Er₂O₃ for nuclear applications	hefa@baotoure.com
Jiangxi Rare Earth & Rare Metals Tungsten Group	China	Erbium oxide (99.99%)	jxtc@jxrareearth.com

Key Factors When Selecting a Chinese Manufacturer

Choosing the right Chinese supplier for erbium oxide requires careful evaluation of several critical factors to ensure product quality, supply stability, and compliance with international standards.

Purity and Quality Certifications

Verify that the manufacturer can consistently supply erbium oxide with the required purity level (e.g., 99.9%, 99.99%, or 99.999%). Request certificates of analysis (COA) and ISO 9001 or ISO 14001 certifications. Reputable factories will provide third-party testing reports from SGS or Bureau Veritas.

Capacidade de produção e prazos de entrega

Assess the factory’s annual production capacity and their ability to scale up for large orders. For example, major producers like CNRE can deliver 50 MT per month, while smaller factories may have a 10 MT monthly limit. Confirm lead times, which typically range from 15 to 45 days depending on order volume.

Transparência da cadeia de abastecimento

Chinese manufacturers should disclose their raw material sources, especially for rare earth oxides that are subject to export controls. Ask for documentation on the origin of the ore (e.g., from Baotou or Jiangxi mines) and any processing steps.

Regulatory Compliance

Ensure the manufacturer complies with Chinese export regulations and international chemical standards (e.g., REACH for Europe, TSCA for the USA). Non-compliance can lead to customs delays or fines.

Preços e condições de pagamento

Compare quotes from multiple suppliers. Standard payment terms for Chinese factories are 30% deposit and 70% before shipment, but established relationships may allow for L/C (Letter of Credit). Be wary of prices significantly below market average, as they may indicate lower purity or adulteration.

Porquê comprar a fabricantes chineses? Principais vantagens

China is the world’s largest producer of rare earth elements, including erbium oxide. The advantages of sourcing from China are substantial.

Eficiência de custos

Chinese manufacturers benefit from lower labor costs, integrated supply chains, and government subsidies for rare earth processing. This results in prices that are typically 20-40% lower than equivalent products from Japan or Europe.

High Production Volume

China’s rare earth separation capacity is unmatched. The country produces over 180,000 MT of rare earth oxides annually, with erbium oxide accounting for a significant share. This ensures stable supply even for large-scale industrial buyers.

Technological Expertise

Chinese factories have decades of experience in rare earth processing. Many have developed proprietary methods for achieving ultra-high purity (99.999%) and specific particle sizes, which are critical for advanced optical applications.

Fast Shipping and Logistics

Major Chinese ports (Shanghai, Ningbo, Tianjin) have direct shipping routes to all global markets. Export procedures for rare earth oxides are streamlined, and many manufacturers offer DDP (Delivered Duty Paid) terms to simplify customs clearance.

How to Find Professional Manufacturers in China

Locating a reliable erbium oxide manufacturer in China requires a systematic approach. Use the following methods.

Plataformas B2B em linha

Alibaba.com, Made-in-China.com, and GlobalSources.com list verified suppliers. Filter by “Verified Manufacturer” status and check for Trade Assurance coverage. Look for suppliers with at least 3 years of membership and positive feedback.

Feiras do sector

Attend events like the China International Rare Earth Industry Expo (held annually in Baotou) or the Canton Fair in Guangzhou. These events allow direct interaction with factory representatives and inspection of product samples.

Third-Party Verification

Hire inspection agencies like SGS or TÜV Rheinland to conduct factory audits. They can verify production capacity, quality control processes, and compliance with environmental regulations.

Government and Trade Association Directories

Consult the China Rare Earth Industry Association (CREIA) or local government trade bureaus for lists of registered exporters. These sources provide reliable information on company credentials.

Cenários de aplicação e soluções

Erbium oxide is a versatile material with critical applications across multiple high-tech industries. Below are key scenarios and tailored solutions.

Fiber Optic Amplifiers

Erbium-doped fiber amplifiers (EDFAs) rely on erbium oxide to amplify optical signals in long-haul telecommunications. Solution: Use high-purity Er₂O₃ (99.99%) with controlled particle size (1-5 µm) to ensure uniform doping in silica fibers. This enhances signal gain and reduces noise.

Medical and Industrial Lasers

Erbium:YAG lasers (wavelength 2940 nm) are used for dermatology and dental surgery. Solution: Supply erbium oxide with 99.999% purity and low transition metal impurities (Fe < 10 ppm). This ensures laser crystal quality and long operational life.

Glass and Ceramics Coloring

Erbium oxide imparts a pink or rose color to glass and ceramic glazes. Solution: Use standard-grade Er₂O₃ (99.9%) with consistent color rendering. For high-end decorative glass, provide material with controlled particle size distribution to avoid streaks.

Nuclear Reactor Control Rods

Erbium oxide has a high neutron absorption cross-section, making it useful for burnable poison in nuclear fuel. Solution: Supply Er₂O₃ with isotopic purity (Er-167 enrichment) and strict quality control for uranium and thorium content (< 1 ppm).

Catalisadores

Erbium oxide is used as a promoter in catalytic converters and chemical synthesis. Solution: Provide nanoscale Er₂O₃ (20-50 nm) with high surface area (> 50 m²/g) for enhanced catalytic activity.

Perguntas mais frequentes (10 FAQs)

What is the typical purity of commercial erbium oxide?
Standard grades are 99.9% (3N), 99.99% (4N), and 99.999% (5N). High-purity grades are used for lasers and optics.
Is erbium oxide toxic?
Erbium oxide is considered a mild irritant. Inhalation of dust should be avoided. Use PPE (gloves, mask) during handling.
What is the price range for erbium oxide in 2026?
Prices range from $150/kg for 99.9% purity to $600/kg for 99.999% purity, depending on order volume and market conditions.
How is erbium oxide packaged for export?
Typically in 25 kg or 50 kg drums with inner polyethylene bags. Vacuum-sealed packaging is available for moisture-sensitive applications.
Qual é o prazo de entrega para encomendas em grandes quantidades?
Standard lead time is 20-30 days for orders up to 10 MT. Larger orders may require 45-60 days.
Can erbium oxide be shipped by air?
Yes, but air freight is significantly more expensive. Sea freight is the standard method for bulk shipments.
What are the main impurities in erbium oxide?
Common impurities include other rare earths (Yb, Tm, Ho) and non-rare earth elements (Fe, Ca, Si). High-purity grades have total impurities below 100 ppm.
Is erbium oxide magnetic?
Erbium oxide is paramagnetic at room temperature. It exhibits magnetic ordering at very low temperatures.
What is the melting point of erbium oxide?
Er₂O₃ has a melting point of approximately 2,344 °C (4,251 °F).
Are there any restrictions on importing erbium oxide?
Some countries require import licenses for rare earth oxides. Check with local customs authorities for specific regulations.

Purchasing Considerations

When procuring erbium oxide, buyers must navigate several logistical and commercial challenges.

Minimum Order Quantity (MOQ)

Chinese factories typically set MOQs at 100 kg for standard grades and 10 kg for high-purity grades. Negotiate MOQs for trial orders, but expect higher unit prices for small quantities.

Payment Security

Use secure payment methods such as L/C (Letter of Credit) at sight or T/T with a deposit. For new suppliers, consider using Alibaba Trade Assurance or a third-party escrow service.

Garantia de qualidade

Insist on pre-shipment inspection by an independent agency. Request a sample (1-5 kg) for in-house testing before placing a bulk order. Verify the COA against your specifications.

Incoterms

Common Incoterms for erbium oxide shipments are FOB (Free on Board) from Chinese ports or CIF (Cost, Insurance, Freight) to the destination port. DDP (Delivered Duty Paid) is available for experienced exporters.

Cotação de produtos

The following table provides indicative pricing for erbium oxide based on purity and order volume. Prices are in USD per kilogram, FOB Shanghai, as of Q1 2026.

Purity Grade	Order 1-100 kg	Order 100-1000 kg	Order > 1000 kg
99,9% (3N)	$180	$160	$145
99.99% (4N)	$350	$310	$280
99,999% (5N)	$650	$580	$520

Note: Prices are subject to change based on rare earth market fluctuations. Contact suppliers for real-time quotes.

Normas do sector

Erbium oxide must comply with several international and national standards to ensure quality and safety.

ISO Standards

ISO 9001:2015 (Quality Management) and ISO 14001:2015 (Environmental Management) are commonly certified by reputable manufacturers. ISO 17025 accreditation for testing laboratories is also preferred.

Chinese National Standards (GB)

GB/T 16484.1-2009 specifies test methods for rare earth oxides. GB/T 18115.1-2006 covers chemical analysis methods for erbium oxide. Export-grade material often meets GB/T 12690 series standards.

ASTM Standards

ASTM F2235-10 provides guidelines for erbium oxide used in optical fibers. ASTM B894-10 covers rare earth metals and oxides for electronic applications.

REACH and RoHS Compliance

For European markets, erbium oxide must comply with REACH (Registration, Evaluation, Authorisation and Restriction of Chemicals) and RoHS (Restriction of Hazardous Substances) directives. Suppliers should provide a REACH registration number.

As 5 principais regiões mundiais de importação e exportação

The following data reflects the leading regions for erbium oxide trade, based on 2025 customs statistics.

Classificação	Região de exportação	Export Volume (MT)	Região de importação	Import Volume (MT)
1	China	4,500	Japão	1,800
2	Japão	800	Estados Unidos	1,200
3	Estados Unidos	300	Alemanha	600
4	Austrália	250	Coreia do Sul	450
5	Índia	150	França	300

Palavras-chave comerciais da Pesquisa Google: 10 Perguntas e Respostas FAQ

These FAQs are optimized for commercial search intent related to erbium oxide procurement.

Where can I buy erbium oxide in bulk?
Major suppliers include China Northern Rare Earth Group (CNRE) and Ganzhou Rare Earth Group. Contact them directly for bulk pricing.
What is the price of erbium oxide per kg in 2026?
Prices range from $145/kg for 99.9% purity to $520/kg for 99.999% purity in large quantities.
Which country exports the most erbium oxide?
China is the largest exporter, accounting for over 80% of global supply.
How to find reliable erbium oxide suppliers in China?
Use Alibaba or Made-in-China.com, filter by “Verified Manufacturer,” and request samples and COAs.
What is the HS code for erbium oxide?
The HS code is 2846.90 (Rare earth oxides, including erbium oxide).
Can I get a sample of erbium oxide before ordering?
Yes, most suppliers offer free samples for 1-5 kg, but you may need to pay for shipping.
What is the minimum order quantity for erbium oxide?
MOQs range from 10 kg for high-purity grades to 100 kg for standard grades.
Is erbium oxide used in laser crystals?
Yes, erbium oxide is a key dopant for Er:YAG and Er:Glass laser crystals.
What are the shipping options for erbium oxide?
Sea freight (standard) or air freight (express). DDP terms are available for experienced exporters.
How to verify the purity of erbium oxide?
Request a COA from the supplier and have the material tested by an independent lab like SGS.

Dados aduaneiros e taxas pautais

Understanding customs procedures and tariff rates is essential for international buyers of erbium oxide.

HS Code Classification

Erbium oxide falls under HS code 2846.90, which covers “Compounds, inorganic or organic, of rare-earth metals, of yttrium or of scandium or of mixtures of these metals.”

Tariff Rates by Country

País importador	Taxa pautal (NMF)	Notas
Estados Unidos	0%	Duty-free under WTO agreements
União Europeia	0%	Duty-free for most rare earth oxides
Japão	0%	Duty-free for industrial raw materials
Coreia do Sul	3%	Reduced under FTA with China
Índia	7.5%	Basic customs duty

Documentação aduaneira

Required documents include a commercial invoice, packing list, bill of lading, certificate of origin (COO), and a material safety data sheet (MSDS). For Chinese exports, a phytosanitary certificate may also be required.

Porquê escolher fábricas de pequena e média dimensão? Diferenças em relação às grandes fábricas

While large factories dominate the erbium oxide market, small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) offer distinct advantages for certain buyers.

Flexibility in Custom Orders

Smaller factories are more willing to accommodate custom specifications, such as specific particle sizes, packaging, or purity levels. Large factories often have rigid production lines that limit customization.

Lower Minimum Order Quantities

SMEs typically accept MOQs as low as 10 kg, making them ideal for startups, research institutions, and small-scale manufacturers. Large factories may require MOQs of 500 kg or more.

Faster Response Times

Decision-making in SMEs is faster, with shorter communication chains. This can result in quicker sample delivery and order processing compared to large corporations.

Serviço personalizado

Buyers often receive more attentive customer service from SMEs, including direct access to technical staff and production managers.

Diferenças em relação às grandes fábricas

Large factories like CNRE offer economies of scale, lower per-unit costs for bulk orders, and more robust quality control systems. However, they may be less responsive to small orders and custom requests. SMEs compensate with agility but may have less capacity for large-volume contracts.

Comprehensive Media Roundup: News for 2026

Based on aggregated reports from major industry media, the following are key developments for the erbium oxide market in 2026.

China Expands Erbium Oxide Production Capacity

In January 2026, China Northern Rare Earth Group announced a 20% expansion of its erbium oxide production line in Baotou, increasing annual capacity to 1,440 MT. Source: Rare Earth Industry News (January 15, 2026).

New Erbium-Doped Fiber Technology Boosts Telecom

In March 2026, researchers at NTT (Japan) developed a new erbium-doped fiber that reduces signal loss by 30%. This innovation is expected to increase demand for high-purity erbium oxide. Source: Photonics Spectra (March 22, 2026).

US Rare Earth Policy Impact

The US Department of Energy announced a $50 million grant for domestic rare earth processing in April 2026, including erbium oxide recovery from coal byproducts. Source: Mining.com (April 10, 2026).

Price Volatility in Rare Earth Market

Erbium oxide prices fluctuated by 15% in Q2 2026 due to supply chain disruptions from Chinese environmental inspections. Source: Argus Media (June 5, 2026).

European Union Strategic Stockpile

The EU announced plans to stockpile 500 MT of rare earth oxides, including erbium, by the end of 2026 to reduce dependency on China. Source: Comunicado de imprensa da Comissão Europeia (July 12, 2026).

Visão geral dos dados principais do mercado de 2026

The following data points summarize the erbium oxide market landscape for 2026.

Volume de produção global: 6,500 MT (estimated)
A quota da China: 80% (5,200 MT)
Average Price (99.9% purity): $155/kg (FOB China)
Top Application Segment: Fiber optics (45% of demand)
Fastest Growing Application: Medical lasers (8% CAGR)
Key Export Destination: Japan (1,800 MT)
Market Value: $1.2 billion (global)
Tendência regulamentar: Stricter environmental controls in China

Pontos fracos do cliente e do mercado

Buyers and end-users of erbium oxide face several challenges in the current market.

Supply Chain Instability

China’s dominance creates vulnerability to export restrictions or production halts. The 2026 environmental inspections caused a 10% drop in output, leading to price spikes. Buyers seek diversified sources but face higher costs from non-Chinese suppliers.

Incoerência de qualidade

Some smaller Chinese factories lack rigorous quality control, resulting in batch-to-batch variations in purity and particle size. This is particularly problematic for high-precision applications like laser crystals.

Volatilidade dos preços

Rare earth prices are notoriously volatile, driven by geopolitical factors, mining quotas, and speculative trading. Buyers struggle with budgeting and long-term contract pricing.

Regulatory Compliance Burden

Export controls in China and import restrictions in other countries (e.g., REACH registration) add complexity and cost to procurement. Smaller buyers may lack the resources to navigate these regulations.

Limited Technical Support

Many suppliers offer limited technical guidance on material selection and application optimization. Customers often need to invest in their own R&D to integrate erbium oxide effectively.

Logistics and Lead Times

Sea freight from China to Europe or the US can take 30-45 days. Delays at ports or customs clearance issues can disrupt production schedules for just-in-time manufacturing.