Sojitz to import rare earth yttrium from Malaysia, Nikkei Asia reports

Japan’s Sojitz will import rare earth yttrium from Malaysia, Nikkei Asia reports today. The move underscores Japan’s drive to diversify critical mineral supplies amid mounting supply chain risks, recent export curbs and efforts to reduce single-point dependencies. Japan has sought to secure rare earths since past supply shocks, making alternative sources a policy priority.

Yttrium is a key input for lasers, LED phosphors and advanced ceramics used across electronics, medical devices and clean energy equipment. Malaysia hosts established rare-earth processing capacity, including facilities serving regional and global manufacturers, and the plan aligns with Tokyo’s push to secure critical minerals through public-private initiatives, trading houses such as Sojitz and strategic stockpiles, though further particulars about volumes, partners and start dates are not yet available. Watch for confirmation of shipment timelines, contract volumes, downstream customers, any government support and required export clearances in both countries.

[Developing. This article will be updated.]