Molybdenum market update on April 29, 2025
The domestic molybdenum market in China continues to heat up, primarily reflected in the renewed price surge of most molybdenum products and a relatively positive sentiment among traders entering the market. According to CTIA GROUP LTD, since April 17, 2025, molybdenum concentrate prices have risen by approximately 200 yuan, a 6.15% increase; ferromolybdenum prices have increased by about 17,000 yuan, an 8.17% rise; molybdenum oxide prices have gone up by around 170 yuan, a 5.04% increase; sodium molybdate prices have risen by about 3,000 yuan, a 1.95% increase; ammonium tetramolybdate prices have increased by around 3,000 yuan, a 1.42% rise; ammonium heptamolybdate prices have risen by about 3,000 yuan, a 1.39% increase; molybdenum powder prices have gone up by approximately 15 yuan, a 3.77% rise; and molybdenum bar prices have increased by about 18 yuan, a 4.14% increase.
In the molybdenum concentrate market, tight spot supply and active downstream inquiries have led to a strong reluctance among suppliers to sell at lower prices, driving a firm pricing sentiment. Recently, a molybdenum mine in Henan sold 100 tons of molybdenum concentrate at 3,460 yuan/ton-degree.
In the ferromolybdenum market, despite a significant price increase since late April, high production costs and strong price suppression by steel companies continue to pose considerable pressure on intermediate smelting enterprises, with the risk of cost-profit inversion yet to be alleviated. On May 10, 2025, Shagang Group plans to tender for 120 tons of ferromolybdenum; in mid-May, Huaigang Special Steel plans to tender for 150 tons of ferromolybdenum.
In the molybdenum chemicals and products market, a cautious wait-and-see atmosphere prevails. With rigid demand from end customers showing little improvement and raw material prices continuously rising, holders are generally maintaining rational pricing. Today, ammonium tetramolybdate and molybdenum powder prices are approximately 215,000 yuan/ton and 413 yuan/kg, respectively.
According to the China Iron and Steel Association, from January to March 2025, China's shipbuilding industry saw declines in two of its three major indicators: completion volume and new ship orders, while orders on hand remained high. Shipbuilding completion volume was 10.74 million deadweight tons, down 13.0% year-on-year; new ship orders received totaled 20.16 million deadweight tons, down 16.5% year-on-year; and as of the end of March, orders on hand reached 224.48 million deadweight tons, up 45.7% year-on-year. In March alone, China’s shipbuilding completion volume fell 9.0% year-on-year, and new ship orders dropped 22.7% year-on-year.
Price of molybdenum products on April 29, 2025
Picture of molybdenum crucible
