Molybdenum Prices

Molybdenum Prices in H2 2023

In the second half of 2023, the price of molybdenum in the United States reached 55,600 USD/MT. Similarly, in China, the molybdenum prices hit 58,930 USD/MT.

Molybdenum Price Trend, Market Analysis, and News

IMARC’s newly published report, titled “Molybdenum Pricing Report 2024: Price Trend, Chart, Market Analysis, News, Demand, Historical and Forecast Data,” offers an in-depth analysis of molybdenum pricing, covering an analysis of global and regional market trends and the critical factors driving these price movements.

It encompasses an in-depth review of spot price of molybdenum at major ports, a breakdown of prices including Ex Works, FOB, and CIF, alongside a region-wise dissection of molybdenum price trend across North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, Latin America, the Middle East and Africa.

The report examines the elements influencing molybdenum price fluctuations, such as supply-demand dynamics, geopolitical factors, and industry-specific developments. Additionally, it integrates the latest market news, providing stakeholders with up-to-date information on market shifts, regulatory changes, and technological advancements, thereby offering a comprehensive overview that aids in strategic decision-making and forecasting.

Molybdenum Market Analysis

The global molybdenum market size reached 560.0 Thousand Tons in 2023. By 2032, IMARC Group expects the market to reach 646.0 Thousand Tons, at a projected CAGR of 1.60% during 2023-2032.

• Molybdenum plays an important role in steel production as an alloying agent significantly enhancing the steel's strength, corrosion resistance, and toughness. According to data published by the World Steel Association, in March 2024 the world crude steel production for 71 countries reached 161.2 million tons (Mt). By region Asia and Oceania produced 118.3 million tons, the EU produced 11.6 million tons and North America produced 9.5 million tons of crude steel in April 2024. The addition of molybdenum to steel formulation allows for the creation of high-strength steel varieties which are essential in various demanding applications. The global demand for such steel is particularly high in sectors like construction, automotive, energy and infrastructure. These industries require material that can withstand harsh conditions and heavy loads making molybdenum enhanced steel an ideal solution. As these sectors continue to grow and evolve, especially with increasing infrastructural developments and automotive innovations the consumption of molybdenum correspondingly rises underscoring its importance in modern industry.
• Molybdenum is a highly sought-after component in oil and gas sectors mainly due to its high-temperature stability and excellent corrosion resistance properties. These attributes are important in environments where materials are exposed to extreme heat and corrosive substances. Molybdenum alloys are used in the manufacturing of oil and gas pipelines, drilling equipment and other critical infrastructure. The use of molybdenum ensures the durability and longevity of oil and gas pipelines while reducing maintenance costs and enhancing safety. The demand for molybdenum in this sector is mainly driven by the continuous expansion of oil and gas exploration and extraction activities which require robust and reliable materials to handle harsh operational conditions effectively.
• Global economic growth plays a significant role in driving the demand for molybdenum, particularly through its impact on industrial activities.  According to data published by the OECD, global growth in 2023 continued at an annual rate above 3%. Global GDP growth is projected at 3.1% in 2024 and 3.2% in 2025. As emerging markets like China and India experience economic expansion, their industrial sectors, including construction, automotive, and infrastructure, grow accordingly. This growth leads to an increased demand for steel, in which molybdenum is a key alloying element due to its strength and corrosion resistance properties. Consequently, as these countries develop and modernize, the demand for molybdenum rises to meet the needs for high-performance steel in various applications, underlining the direct correlation between economic growth and molybdenum consumption.

Molybdenum News

The report covers the latest developments, updates, and trends impacting the global molybdenum market, providing stakeholders with timely and relevant information. This segment covers a wide array of news items, including the inauguration of new production facilities, technological innovations, strategic market expansions by key industry players, and significant mergers and acquisitions that impact the molybdenum price trend.

Latest developments in the molybdenum industry:

• In January 2024, BHP Xplor selected six companies from over 500 applicants to join its accelerator program, offering grants of up to US$500,000 each. The program aims to support early-stage mineral exploration companies in finding critical resources for the energy transition. Through collaborative work, the chosen companies will mature their geological concepts over six months, seeking commercialization or partnerships. BHP seeks to enhance its exploration opportunities and accelerate the pace of critical resource exploration.
• In February 2024, Peru's environmental watchdog approved a $2 billion expansion for the Antamina copper-zinc mine, extending its productive life to 2036. The permit allows for modifications, including enlarging the open pit and optimizing the mine's dumps and tailings dam. The expansion, co-owned by Glencore, BHP, Teck Resources, and Mitsubishi, will increase the mine area by 25% and deepen the open pit by 150 meters, with daily ore extraction of up to 173,000 tons.

Product Description

Molybdenum is a silvery-white, metallic element in the chromium group generally known for its impressive strength, high melting point, and corrosion resistance, even at extreme temperatures. It is chemically represented by the symbol Mo and has an atomic number 42. It is generally found in mineral molybdenite, molybdenum is rarely found in its pure form in nature and is usually extracted as a by-product of copper mining. Due to its unique properties, molybdenum is invaluable in various industrial applications. It is extensively used as an alloying agent in steel to enhance strength, hardness, and resistance to wear and temperature. This makes it crucial in sectors like construction, aerospace, automotive, and energy. Molybdenum finds applications in electronics, as a catalyst in the petroleum industry, and in certain chemical processes. Its role is pivotal in modern technology, where performance and durability under harsh conditions are paramount.

Regional Coverage

The report provides a detailed analysis of the molybdenum market across different regions, each with unique pricing dynamics influenced by localized market conditions, supply chain intricacies, and geopolitical factors. This includes price trends, price forecast and supply and demand trends for each region, along with spot prices by major ports. The report also provides coverage of ex-works, FOB, and CIF prices, as well as the key factors influencing the molybdenum price trend.

Global Molybdenum Price

The report offers a holistic view of the global molybdenum pricing trends in the form of molybdenum price charts, reflecting the worldwide interplay of supply-demand balances, international trade policies, and overarching economic factors that shape the market on a macro level. This comprehensive analysis not only highlights current price of molybdenum but also provides insights into historical price trends, enabling stakeholders to understand past fluctuations and their underlying causes.

The report also delves into price forecast models, projecting future price movements based on a variety of indicators such as expected changes in supply chain dynamics, anticipated policy shifts, and emerging market trends. By examining these factors, the report equips industry participants with the necessary tools to make informed strategic decisions, manage risks, and capitalize on market opportunities. Furthermore, it includes a detailed molybdenum demand analysis, breaking down regional variations and identifying key drivers specific to each geographic market, thus offering a nuanced understanding of the global pricing landscape.

Europe Molybdenum Price

Europe's molybdenum pricing trends are deeply affected by its stringent environmental regulations and the push towards sustainable and recycled materials. The automotive and aerospace industries in Europe, which demand high-quality specialty metals, further complicate the pricing landscape. Energy costs and the availability of renewable energy sources also significantly influence molybdenum production costs. Additionally, the region's dependency on molybdenum imports, coupled with fluctuating currency values, adds another layer of complexity to understanding price trends in this market.

Detailed price information for molybdenum can also be provided for an extensive list of European countries.

North America Molybdenum Price 

In North America, molybdenum prices are closely tied to technological advancements in extraction and processing techniques, which aim to reduce costs and enhance efficiency. The region's emphasis on defense and technology sectors, which require precise and high-grade metals, drives demand variability. Furthermore, trade policies, particularly those involving major trade partners like Canada and Mexico, heavily influence molybdenum supply chains and pricing structures. The shift towards green energy and electric vehicles in North America also affects demand patterns for metals.

Specific molybdenum historical data within the United States and Canada can also be provided.

Middle East and Africa Molybdenum Price

Middle East and Africa Molybdenum Price

The molybdenum pricing trends in the Middle East and Africa are increasingly impacted by infrastructural developments and investments in the construction and transportation sectors. The region’s political climate and its effect on operational stability and security are also crucial in determining price trends. Additionally, the Middle East's strategic initiatives to diversify away from oil dependency and invest in mining and metal production capabilities are reshaping its market dynamics. In Africa, the availability of resources combined with foreign investment in mining projects heavily influences local and global molybdenum supply and prices.

Region-wise data and information on specific countries within these regions can also be provided.

Asia Pacific Molybdenum Price

In the Asia Pacific region, molybdenum pricing dynamics are significantly influenced by robust industrial growth and expanding manufacturing sectors, particularly in China and India. The region's high demand for metals is driven by its active construction industry and increasing investments in infrastructure projects. However, supply disruptions due to geopolitical tensions and regulatory changes in mining practices also play a critical role in shaping price fluctuations. Additionally, trade policies and import-export tariffs continue to impact the cost structures and availability of molybdenum, making the Asia Pacific market a complex environment for price trend analysis.

This molybdenum price analysis can be expanded to include a comprehensive list of countries within the region.

Latin America Molybdenum Price

Latin America's molybdenum market is predominantly influenced by its rich natural reserves, particularly in countries like Chile and Brazil. However, political instability and inconsistent regulatory frameworks can lead to significant volatility in molybdenum prices. Infrastructure challenges and logistical inefficiencies often impact the supply chain, affecting the region's ability to meet international demand consistently. Moreover, economic fluctuations and currency devaluation are critical factors that need to be considered when analyzing molybdenum pricing trends in this region.

This comprehensive review can be extended to include specific countries within Latin America.