Lynas Rare Earths Faces US Policy Headwinds Amid Volatile Trading
2/3/2026, 5:02:17 PM | China | United States | Australia
Lynas Rare Earths (ASX:LYC) shares have experienced sharp swings driven by US policy shifts favoring domestic rivals and uncertainty over rare earth price supports, with recent declines offsetting longer-term gains. Trading volumes spiked amid the volatility, while analysts maintain a positive consensus despite near-term pressures. Operational updates highlight production challenges but strong cash reserves.
Lynas Rare Earths has seen intense price action recently, with shares dropping 11% in a single session following reports of a potential US reversal on rare earth price floor plans under the Trump administration. This news rattled investors, as price floors were seen as a key stabilizer for non-Chinese producers. A separate US$1.6 billion government funding commitment to rival USA Rare Earth further pressured sentiment, triggering a 6.9% decline and raising doubts about Lynas' positioning in the critical US market. Over the past week, shares fell 7.5-11.63%, though 30-day returns stand at +19.77% and one-year gains exceed 135-151%, reflecting broader rare earth demand strength.
Trading activity has been elevated, with 5-day average volume hitting 10.5 million shares against a 20-day norm of 8.8 million, signaling heightened investor interest amid the news flow. Short interest in the US-listed ADR (LYSDY) surged 52% to 337,534 shares in January, but remains negligible at 0.0% of float, with days-to-cover at just 0.3. Technical indicators show oversold conditions, with 9-day Stochastic at 16.71% and RSI around 44-50, suggesting potential for a rebound if policy clarity emerges.
Market sentiment is mixed but leans cautiously optimistic, buoyed by Lynas' role as the leading non-Chinese rare earth producer. Goldman Sachs and UBS upgraded to 'strong-buy' in November 2025, contributing to a consensus 'Buy' rating (two Strong Buy, one Hold), with fair value estimates around A$15.77 versus recent trading near A$14.90-15.90. Analysts highlight Lynas' expansion into heavy rare earths like dysprosium and terbium, plus plans for samarium production starting April 2026. However, US policy recalibration and rival funding have tempered enthusiasm, with shares testing support after policy shocks.
Company updates from recent quarterly reports reveal NdPr output down 30% due to power disruptions in Kalgoorlie and maintenance in Malaysia, though average selling prices rose to A$85.60/kg, lifting revenue to A$201.9 million. Cash reserves stand at A$1.03 billion, supporting Mt Weld expansion and off-grid power solutions. CEO Amanda Lacaze is departing, adding a leadership transition layer. In the bigger picture, the past few months saw Lynas react to China's export curbs boosting prices temporarily, alongside Australian critical minerals initiatives like a A$1.2 billion strategic reserve. US strategic reserve talks under Trump and global supply chain diversification efforts have also influenced volatility, underscoring Lynas' sensitivity to geopolitical maneuvers in rare earths.