Neodymium magnets from China: direct supplier vs. intermediary
How to buy NdFeB neodymium magnets directly from China: grades N35–N52, prices, MOQs. Comparison of direct purchasing vs. working through an intermediary.
Why neodymium magnets are sourced from China
China controls about 90% of global rare-earth permanent magnet production. Per IEA, China's share in the NdFeB-magnet value chain is even higher: from neodymium mining (69% of global rare-earth-element production) through finished magnets (up to 94% of global output). High-performance NdFeB output in China grew from 30,000 tonnes in 2014 to roughly 132,000 tonnes by 2025.
For Russian industrial buyers, this means one simple thing: there is no alternative to China on price/volume/range. The question is not whether to buy magnets in China, but how — direct from the factory or through an intermediary.
This article covers neodymium magnet grades, types of permanent magnets, logistics, customs clearance, and a real supply case for a Russian manufacturer.
Neodymium magnet grades: N35 to N52
The "N" stands for Neodymium, the number is the maximum energy product (BHmax) in megagauss-oersteds (MGOe). Higher number = stronger magnet of the same volume.
Main grades and characteristics
| Grade | BHmax (MGOe) | Residual induction Br (T) | Operating temperature | Typical use |
|-------|-------------|---------------------------|----------------------|-------------|
| N35 | 33–36 | 1.17–1.21 | up to 80 °C | Consumer electronics, fixings, packaging |
| N38 | 36–39 | 1.22–1.25 | up to 80 °C | Sensors, locks, magnetic separators |
| N42 | 40–43 | 1.28–1.32 | up to 80 °C | Small motors, audio |
| N45 | 43–46 | 1.32–1.36 | up to 80 °C | Servomotors, medical equipment |
| N48 | 46–49 | 1.36–1.40 | up to 80 °C | Industrial motors, generators |
| N50 | 49–51 | 1.40–1.43 | up to 80 °C | High-precision drives, aerospace |
| N52 | 51–53 | 1.43–1.48 | up to 80 °C | Maximum performance in compact form |
Heat-resistant series
In addition to standard grades, there are higher-temperature variants, denoted by a letter suffix:
- M — up to 100 °C
- H — up to 120 °C
- SH — up to 150 °C
- UH — up to 180 °C
- EH — up to 200 °C
- AH — up to 220 °C
For example, N45SH means a magnet with BHmax 43–46 MGOe and operating temperature up to 150 °C. Heat-resistant series cost 15–40% more depending on class.
Choosing a grade for production
For most industrial tasks the optimum is N42–N48. N50 and N52 add only 5–10% performance but cost significantly more due to higher feedstock-purity and sintering-precision requirements. N35 is suited to mass-market parts where price matters more than ultimate strength.
Permanent magnet types: NdFeB, SmCo, AlNiCo
Neodymium isn't the only permanent-magnet type. Industry uses three main families, and the choice depends on operating conditions.
NdFeB (neodymium-iron-boron)
The strongest commercially available permanent magnets. BHmax up to 52 MGOe. Curie temperature 310–340 °C, standard operating temperature up to 80 °C (up to 220 °C for AH grade). Main drawback — corrosion susceptibility, so NdFeB magnets are coated with nickel, zinc, epoxy, or parylene.
When to use: electric motors, generators, audio systems, MRI equipment, separators, fasteners — anywhere you need maximum strength in minimum volume and temperature stays under 150–200 °C.SmCo (samarium-cobalt)
Second-strongest type. BHmax up to 32 MGOe. Curie temperature ~700 °C, operating temperature up to 300–350 °C (some grades up to 550 °C). Corrosion-resistant, no coating required.
When to use: aero engines, military hardware, oil-and-gas equipment, turbines — anywhere ambient temperature exceeds 200 °C and parameter stability is critical. Price: 3–5x NdFeB at comparable size.AlNiCo (aluminum-nickel-cobalt)
The oldest permanent magnet type. BHmax up to 5.4 MGOe — much weaker than NdFeB and SmCo. But operating temperature up to 550 °C, Curie point ~800 °C. Excellent corrosion resistance.
When to use: sensors, instruments, high-temperature relays, guitar pickups. Wherever high magnetic strength isn't needed but stability at extreme temperatures matters.Magnet-type comparison
| Parameter | NdFeB | SmCo | AlNiCo |
|-----------|-------|------|--------|
| BHmax (MGOe) | 33–53 | 20–32 | 1.5–5.4 |
| Operating temperature | 80–220 °C | 250–550 °C | up to 550 °C |
| Corrosion resistance | Low (coating required) | High | High |
| Relative price | 1x | 3–5x | 0.5–1x |
| Availability from China | Maximum | High | Medium |
Direct supplier vs. intermediary: comparison
The key question for any industrial buyer. Both options objectively:
Comparison table
| Criterion | Direct supplier (factory in China) | Intermediary / trader |
|-----------|-----------------------------------|----------------------|
| Price per kg | $45–65 (standard grades), $80–120 (premium) | +20–40% markup |
| MOQ | From 500 kg, often from 1,000 kg | From 50–100 kg |
| Customization | Any shape and size to drawing | Limited range |
| QC | Requires your own check or third-party inspection | Intermediary handles it (not always) |
| Certificates | Factory provides TDS, conformity certs | Reseller may not have originals |
| Lead time | 3–6 weeks (standard), 6–10 (custom) | 1–3 weeks (stock), 4–8 (made to order) |
| Logistics | You arrange or use an agent | Often included |
| Language barrier | High: Chinese-language negotiation | Intermediary speaks your language |
| Claims | Hard process, time zone, jurisdiction | Intermediary acts as guarantor |
| Counterfeit risk | Low with a vetted factory | Higher if intermediary is opaque |
When direct supply makes sense
- Regular purchases of 500 kg+
- Non-standard shapes, sizes, coatings
- Specific grades with verified spec
- Resources to manage logistics and inspection
When an intermediary makes sense
- One-off or irregular purchases
- Small lots (up to 200–300 kg)
- No experience with Chinese suppliers
- Need fast delivery from stock
The optimal option: a sourcing agent in China
There is a third path — working through a company located in China that acts as your sourcing agent. You get factory-direct pricing, but the agent handles negotiation, inspection, logistics and customs. Agent markup is typically 5–10% — far below a classic intermediary.
How to verify magnet quality
QC is critical when buying magnets from China. Here's what to check.
Documentation
- TDS (Technical Data Sheet) — magnetic spec: Br, Hcb, Hcj, BHmax. Each batch must include a TDS.
- RoHS certificate — confirms absence of hazardous substances. Mandatory for EU export, recommended for Russia.
- ISO 9001 certificate — confirms factory QMS.
- SGS or equivalent lab report — independent check of alloy composition and magnetic parameters.
Instrument checks
- Gaussmeter (teslameter) — measures surface induction. Compare with stated Br. Allowable deviation — within 5%.
- Scale — batch mass check. Mass deviation may indicate grade swap (N35 instead of N45).
- Caliper — geometry check. Standard NdFeB tolerance: ±0.05 mm.
Typical scams
1. Grade swap — supplier states N48, ships N42. Detected only with a teslameter.
2. Thin coating — saving on nickel plating leads to fast corrosion. Tested via salt-spray test.
3. Off-grade as first-grade — magnets with cracks, chips, uneven magnetization. Visual inspection + sample teslameter check.
Logistics and customs clearance
HS code
Neodymium permanent magnets fall under HS code 8505 11 000 0 (metallic permanent magnets) or 8505 19 900 0 (other permanent magnets and articles intended for magnetization). The exact code depends on form and use.
Customs duty and VAT
- Import duty rate: 5–15% ad valorem (depending on code)
- Import VAT: 20%
- Anti-dumping duties on Chinese neodymium magnets: not currently applied in the EAEU
Transport specifics
Neodymium magnets are magnetized cargo. Air transport is governed by IATA DGR (Class 9, UN2807 for magnetic material). Requirements:
- Magnetic field at 2.1 m from package surface must not exceed 0.00525 T
- Magnetic field at 4.6 m from package surface must not exceed 0.002 T (for air)
- Packaging must provide shielding (steel sheets, spacing between magnets)
Case study: N45 magnets for a Russian electronics manufacturer
Brief
A Russian audio-systems manufacturer requested ring-shaped N45 neodymium magnets. Requirements: nickel coating (Ni-Cu-Ni), OD 25 mm, ID 10 mm, height 5 mm. Volume — 15,000 pieces (~320 kg).
What we did
1. Factory selection. We contacted three vetted plants in Zhejiang province (the main NdFeB cluster in China). Requested quotes with TDS and samples.
2. Sample evaluation. Received samples from all three. Gaussmeter testing showed one factory's values were 8% below stated. That supplier was rejected.
3. Negotiation. Agreed price $58/kg (FOB Ningbo) with the winner. For comparison: a Russian intermediary offered the equivalent at $82/kg delivered to Moscow.
4. Production. 4-week lead time. Mid-production inspection on day 14.
5. Logistics. Sea Ningbo → Vladivostok (8 days), then rail to Moscow (6 days). Customs clearance — 3 business days.
Result
- Total landed cost (magnets + freight + customs): $72/kg
- Savings vs. Russian intermediary: 12%
- Order to warehouse time: 7 weeks
- All magnets passed incoming inspection — BHmax deviation under 3%
How to order neodymium magnets through KDL Group
KDL Group is a sourcing agent in China with an office in Hunchun (Jilin province), on the Russian border. We work directly with NdFeB factories in Zhejiang, Shandong and Inner Mongolia.
What we do
- Factory selection to your requirements: grade, shape, size, coating, volume
- Negotiation in Chinese with vetted manufacturers
- QC — on-site inspection, TDS check, gaussmeter testing
- Logistics — sea, rail or road delivery to your Russian warehouse
- Customs clearance — full documentation, correct HS code, duty calculation
Minimum order
From 100 kg for standard items (discs, rings, blocks of common sizes). From 300 kg for custom shapes and sizes.
Lead times
- Standard items from factory stock: 3–5 weeks to your Russian warehouse
- Custom production: 6–10 weeks
Submit a request
If your production needs neodymium magnets from China — contact us for cost and timeline.
- Telegram: @kdl_industry
- Website: kdltrade.ru/industry
- Quote request: specify grade, shape, size, coating and approximate volume — we will prepare a quote within 2 business days.