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NetherlandsIn Q1 2025, the price of molybdenum in the USA stood at USD 51,282/MT, Del Alabama reflecting a slight decrease from USD 51,617/MT, Del Alabama in Q4 2024. This marginal decline was primarily due to a combination of easing supply constraints and moderate demand from the steel and energy sectors, as well as improved inventory levels following a period of surplus in late 2024.
In the Netherlands, prices also edged down mirroring the global trend of softer demand and stable supply, with European buyers remaining cautious amid ongoing economic uncertainties.
India also saw price drop q-o-q. This drop was attributed to a normalization of demand after a strong infrastructure push in late 2024 and improved import flows. In China, prices slipped as the market adjusted to high inventory levels and a slight slowdown in industrial activity. Overall, Q1 2025 was characterized by a mild downward correction in molybdenum prices across major markets, with sentiment remaining cautious but stable as supply and demand found a new equilibrium.
Q4 2024, the global molybdenum market experienced a downturn in prices, driven by surplus inventory and shifting demand patterns. In China, high stockpile levels and reduced purchases from steel mills amid falling steel prices resulted in price declines, though slight growth in the manufacturing sector provided some stability. India’s market mirrored regional trends, with demand moderating as infrastructure activity normalized after previous quarters of rapid growth.
The USA saw a notable price drop, particularly in November, as surplus and fluctuating demand weighed on the market, while the automotive industry remained resilient, the construction sector continued to face challenges from elevated borrowing costs and slow real estate activity.
In the Netherlands, and Europe more broadly, environmental regulations and energy costs continued to influence market dynamics, with demand softening in line with broader economic uncertainties. Overall, Q4 2024 was characterized by inventory-driven price corrections and cautious market sentiment, especially in Western economies, while Asia remained the primary centre of consumption and production.
Q3 2024 The third quarter of 2024 saw continued strength in the Asia-Pacific region, with China and India maintaining their roles as key demand drivers due to ongoing infrastructure and manufacturing expansion. China’s steel industry supported robust molybdenum consumption, while India’s construction sector remained active. However, global supply chains faced intermittent disruptions, leading to localized shortages and increased market sensitivity.
In the USA, the automotive sector showed positive momentum, but the construction industry struggled with high borrowing costs and delayed projects, which tempered overall demand.
The Netherlands and other European markets navigated fluctuating energy prices and regulatory pressures, impacting production costs and influencing procurement decisions. The quarter was marked by strong Asian demand and mixed conditions in Western economies.
Q2 2024
During the second quarter of 2024, the molybdenum market experienced increased volatility as supply constraints began to ease and demand from steel mills in China and India remained high. China’s manufacturing sector showed signs of growth, supported by government initiatives, which bolstered domestic consumption. India continued to benefit from infrastructure development and policy support for recycling and sustainability, further driving demand.
In the USA, industrial activity picked up modestly, but the market faced headwinds from high input costs and uncertain economic conditions, leading to cautious procurement strategies.
The Netherlands, reflecting broader European trends, saw stable demand from specialty metals industries, but was impacted by energy costs and environmental regulations. This quarter was characterized by an uptick in industrial activity in Asia and a cautious but steady outlook in Western markets.
Q1 2024: In the first quarter of 2024, the global molybdenum market was shaped by a combination of steady industrial demand and ongoing supply chain adjustments. The Asia-Pacific region, particularly China and India, continued to dominate both production and consumption due to robust steel manufacturing and infrastructure projects.
In China, rapid industrialization and government support for manufacturing kept demand strong, while in India, rising investments in construction and manufacturing sustained consumption growth.
In the USA and the Netherlands, market conditions were influenced by stable demand from the automotive and aerospace sectors, but lingering supply chain disruptions and cautious inventory management led to moderate price movements. Overall, the quarter was marked by a balance between demand recovery in Asia and cautious optimism in Western markets.
Q1 2025
The downward trend continued into the first quarter of 2025 to USD 28804/MT, with prices dropping by 4%. The market was subdued, reflecting both ample inventories and a slowdown in new project starts. Demand from the steel and construction sectors softened, and there was little urgency among buyers to secure additional material. Many industry participants adopted a wait-and-see approach, anticipating that prices might stabilize or even decline further before any significant recovery. Sentiment was cautious, with a focus on cost control and prudent inventory management.
Q4 2024
In the fourth quarter, Indian molybdenum prices declined by 2.4% to USD 29992/MT. This reversal was mainly due to improved supply conditions and a slight cooling in demand as several large infrastructure projects neared completion. The market sentiment turned more cautious, with buyers focusing on managing existing inventories rather than expanding them. There was a general expectation that prices might soften further, prompting many to delay significant purchases. The overall mood was one of restraint, as stakeholders waited for new demand drivers to emerge.
Q3 2024
The third quarter saw a further, albeit modest, increase in prices by 1.1% to USD 30723/MT. The market remained generally upbeat, buoyed by ongoing infrastructure activity and steady industrial consumption. However, the pace of price growth slowed, indicating the market was reaching a near-term equilibrium. Buyers became more prudent, as the rapid gains of the previous quarter raised concerns about potential corrections. Inventory levels were healthy, and there was a sense of cautious optimism, with companies closely monitoring both domestic and international market developments.
Q2 2024
In the second quarter, molybdenum prices in India rose by 4.7% to USD 30402/MT compared to Q1 2024. This price increase was driven by a surge in demand from infrastructure and construction projects, as well as a pickup in the automotive and engineering sectors. The government’s continued investment in infrastructure created a positive outlook, prompting buyers to secure supplies in anticipation of further growth. Additionally, concerns about potential global supply constraints led to more aggressive procurement strategies. The sentiment during this period was optimistic, with both traders and end-users expecting robust demand to persist.
Q1 2024
The first quarter of 2024 saw Indian molybdenum prices edge down slightly from the previous quarter, declining by 0.27% to USD 29,036/MT. This marginal decrease reflected a period of stability in the market. Demand from core sectors such as steel manufacturing and specialty alloys remained steady, but there was no significant surge in consumption. Supply chains were functioning smoothly, and there were no major disruptions or shortages. Buyers adopted a cautious approach, purchasing primarily to meet immediate needs rather than speculating on future price hikes. Overall, the sentiment was one of watchful stability, with participants waiting for clearer signals on demand growth.
PriceWatch is your trusted resource for tracking global molybdenum price trends. Our platform delivers real-time data and expert analysis, offering deep insights into the key factors driving price fluctuations in the molybdenum market. By monitoring critical events such as geopolitical tensions, supply chain disruptions, and economic shifts, PriceWatch keeps you fully informed of market dynamics.
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These events underscore the Molybdenum market’s vulnerability to global disruptions and highlight the need for continuous monitoring of supply-demand dynamics.
This research methodology ensures that PriceWatch delivers the most accurate, timely, and actionable Molybdenum pricing assessments, helping our clients stay ahead of market trends and make informed business decisions.
Molecular Weight[g/mol]
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Molecular Formula
Molybdenum is a silvery-gray, hard, and tough metal known for its exceptional strength, high melting point (2,615°C), and resistance to corrosion and wear. It is primarily used as an alloying element in steel and other metals to enhance strength, hardness, toughness, and resistance to high temperatures and corrosion. About 80% of global molybdenum production is consumed by the steel industry, where it is added to structural steel, stainless steel, tool steel, and cast iron to improve mechanical properties and durability.
Packaging Type
Grades Covered
Incoterms Used
Synonym
PriceWatch Quotation Terms:
Ex-Location: This incoterm refers to a shipping agreement where the seller makes the goods available at their premises, and the buyer is responsible for all transportation costs, including shipping, insurance, and any other fees.
CIF: CIF refers to the Cost, Insurance, and Freight (CIF) terms for goods. Under CIF terms, the seller is responsible for the cost of goods, insurance, and freight charges until the goods reach the port of destination.
FD: FD stands for Free Delivered where the seller takes full responsibility for delivering goods to the location/port. This ensures the buyer receives the goods at the designated port with all necessary costs, except import duties, covered.
FOB: FOB refers to the Free On-Board shipping term, where the seller is responsible for the cost and risk of delivering the goods to the port. Once the goods are on board the vessel, the responsibility shifts to the buyer for all costs, including shipping and insurance.
| Property | Specification (65% Grade) |
| Mo Content | 64–66% |
| Cu (Copper) | ≤ 0.5% |
| Fe (Iron) | ≤ 0.5% |
| S (Sulfur) | ≤ 0.1% |
| Pb (Lead) | ≤ 0.05% |
| SiO₂ (Silica) | ≤ 2.0% |
| Moisture | ≤ 0.5% |
Applications
Steel and Alloys: About 80% of molybdenum is used in the steel industry to produce alloy steel, stainless steel, tool steel, and cast iron. It enhances strength, toughness, corrosion resistance, and heat resistance in steel products used for construction, automotive parts, and heavy machinery.
Chemical Industry: Roughly 10–14% of molybdenum is used in chemicals, primarily as catalysts in petroleum refining (hydrodesulfurization), pigments, lubricants (notably molybdenum disulfide), and corrosion inhibitors.
Electronics and Electrical: Molybdenum’s high melting point and conductivity make it valuable for manufacturing filaments, electrodes, core wires, and components for electronic and electrical devices.
Pigments: Used in paints, dyes, and plastics for corrosion resistance and color stability.
Fertilizers: As a micronutrient, molybdenum compounds (like sodium molybdate) are added to fertilizers to enhance plant growth and crop yields.
Medicine and Agriculture: Molybdenum is an essential trace element for humans, animals, and plants, and is used in supplements, animal feed, and agricultural products.
The price of Molybdenum is influenced by several key factors, including:
1. Global Demand
Driven by the steel industry (especially stainless and alloy steel), and use in aerospace, energy, and catalysts. Higher industrial activity increases demand.
2. Supply Constraints
Molybdenum is mostly produced as a byproduct of copper mining. Disruptions in copper mines or low copper production directly affect Mo supply.
3. Mining & Production Costs
Higher energy, labor, and environmental costs can increase the cost of molybdenum, impacting its market price.
4. Geopolitical Events
Export restrictions, sanctions, or political instability in major producing countries (e.g., China, USA, Chile) can influence supply.
5. Exchange Rates
Since molybdenum is priced in USD, fluctuations in the dollar affect international purchasing power and pricing.
6. Freight and Logistics Costs
Transportation costs for shipping raw materials and finished coils.
Availability of containers and shipping routes.
7. Government Regulations and Taxes
Import/export duties, anti-dumping duties, and environmental compliance costs.
Certification requirements (ISO, ASTM) affecting production expenses.
8. Seasonal and Regional Variations
Prices may fluctuate based on regional demand-supply dynamics.
Seasonal demand from industries like construction can cause price hikes.
PriceWatch, a leading procurement intelligence firm, offers a comprehensive suite of tools and services to help you effectively track Molybdenum prices.
Some of the key benefits of using PriceWatch include:
Real-time Data: Access to up-to-date market intelligence and data on commodity supply chains.
Expert Analysis: Insights from industry experts to interpret market trends and identify potential risks.
Risk Assessment: Tools to assess supply chain vulnerabilities and develop mitigation strategies.
Benchmarking: Comparisons of Molybdenum plate prices and sourcing practices to optimize procurement decisions.
Supplier Intelligence: Detailed information on suppliers, including their financial health, production capacity, and sustainability practices.
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