Molybdenum market update on July 9, 2025
The domestic molybdenum market is performing well, marked by rapid price increases for most products, active downstream inquiries, strong supplier reluctance to sell with bullish sentiment, decent transaction volumes, and high industry expectations for the future. Notably, this price surge has injected robust momentum into the market, with many product prices not only surpassing June’s highs but also setting new annual records. However, traders should proceed cautiously, as the current weak steel market could dampen steel companies’ willingness to bid for ferro-molybdenum.
Today, molybdenum concentrate prices increased by approximately 170 yuan/ton-degree, breaking the 4,000 yuan/ton-degree threshold and exceeding June’s highest price by about 150 yuan/ton-degree. Ferro-molybdenum prices rose by around 10,000 yuan/ton, surpassing June’s peak by approximately 6,000 yuan/ton. Molybdenum oxide prices increased by about 170 yuan/ton-degree, crossing the 4,100 yuan/ton-degree mark and exceeding June’s highest price by around 190 yuan/ton-degree.
According to CTIA GROUP LTD, the recent molybdenum price surge is driven by: first, the renewed start of tariff disputes, heightening focus on strategic mineral resources; notably, the European Commission is set to expand critical mineral emergency reserves due to concerns over supply chain disruptions from geopolitical conflicts, while on July 8, the U.S. announced a 50% tariff on all copper imports, though no specific effective date was disclosed. Second, despite tight supplies of low-priced goods, numerous steel companies remain willing to bid for ferro-molybdenum. Third, steady rises in international molybdenum oxide and European ferro-molybdenum prices are positively supporting the domestic market’s recovery.
Baotou Industry and Information Technology Bureau data shows that in June, among the 14 key steel products monitored in Baotou, one saw a month-on-month price increase while 13 declined. Iron concentrate experienced the largest drop, averaging 854 yuan/ton, decreased by 92 yuan/ton (a 9.8% decrease). Year-on-year, all 14 products declined, with iron concentrate showing the steepest drop at 215 yuan/ton (a 20.1% decrease), and seamless pipe the smallest at 4111 yuan/ton, decreased by 479 yuan/ton (a 10.4% decrease).
Price of molybdenum products on July 9, 2025
Molybdenum crucible picture