U.S.: Molybdenum Ore Market 2022

Molybdenum Ore Market Size in the U.S.

The U.S. molybdenum ore market was finally on the rise to reach $X in 2021, after two years of decline. Overall, the total consumption indicated a mild expansion from 2012 to 2021: its value increased at an average annual rate of +1.2% over the last nine-year period. The trend pattern, however, indicated some noticeable fluctuations being recorded throughout the analyzed period. Molybdenum ore consumption peaked at $X in 2018; however, from 2019 to 2021, consumption stood at a somewhat lower figure.

Molybdenum Ore Production in the U.S.

In value terms, molybdenum ore production rose slightly to $X in 2021. Over the period under review, production recorded a pronounced decrease. The pace of growth was the most pronounced in 2018 when the production volume increased by 34% against the previous year. Molybdenum ore production peaked at $X in 2012; however, from 2013 to 2021, production stood at a somewhat lower figure.

Molybdenum Ore Exports

Exports from the U.S.

In 2021, shipments abroad of molybdenum ores decreased by -6.5% to X tons, falling for the second year in a row after three years of growth. Overall, total exports indicated a moderate increase from 2012 to 2021: its volume increased at an average annual rate of +2.8% over the last nine-year period. The trend pattern, however, indicated some noticeable fluctuations being recorded throughout the analyzed period. Based on 2021 figures, exports decreased by -12.9% against 2019 indices. The growth pace was the most rapid in 2017 when exports increased by 43% against the previous year. The exports peaked at X tons in 2019; however, from 2020 to 2021, the exports remained at a lower figure.

In value terms, molybdenum ore exports expanded notably to $X in 2021. In general, exports showed a slight shrinkage. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2017 with an increase of 71%. Over the period under review, the exports attained the peak figure at $X in 2014; however, from 2015 to 2021, the exports stood at a somewhat lower figure.

Exports by Country

The Netherlands (X tons) was the main destination for molybdenum ore exports from the United States, accounting for a 50% share of total exports. Moreover, molybdenum ore exports to the Netherlands exceeded the volume sent to the second major destination, the UK (X tons), threefold. The third position in this ranking was held by Belgium (X tons), with an 11% share.

From 2012 to 2021, the average annual rate of growth in terms of volume to the Netherlands stood at +8.8%. Exports to the other major destinations recorded the following average annual rates of exports growth: the UK (+2.8% per year) and Belgium (-0.5% per year).

In value terms, the Netherlands ($X) remains the key foreign market for molybdenum ore exports from the United States, comprising 41% of total exports. The second position in the ranking was taken by the UK ($X), with a 14% share of total exports. It was followed by Japan, with a 13% share.

From 2012 to 2021, the average annual growth rate of value to the Netherlands totaled +1.7%. Exports to the other major destinations recorded the following average annual rates of exports growth: the UK (-3.0% per year) and Japan (+2.5% per year).

Export Prices by Country

The average molybdenum ore export price stood at $X per ton in 2021, with an increase of 16% against the previous year. Overall, the export price, however, saw a perceptible setback. The growth pace was the most rapid in 2018 an increase of 32% against the previous year. The export price peaked at $X per ton in 2012; however, from 2013 to 2021, the export prices remained at a lower figure.

Prices varied noticeably country of destination: the country with the highest price was Japan ($X per ton), while the average price for exports to the Netherlands ($X per ton) was amongst the lowest.

From 2012 to 2021, the most notable rate of growth in terms of prices was recorded for supplies to Japan (+0.8%), while the prices for the other major destinations experienced a decline.

Molybdenum Ore Imports

Imports into the U.S.

In 2021, imports of molybdenum ores into the United States expanded to X tons, picking up by 2.5% on 2020 figures. Overall, imports showed moderate growth. The pace of growth appeared the most rapid in 2019 when imports increased by 65% against the previous year. As a result, imports reached the peak of X tons. From 2020 to 2021, the growth of imports remained at a somewhat lower figure.

In value terms, molybdenum ore imports skyrocketed to $X in 2021. Over the period under review, imports enjoyed temperate growth. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2017 with an increase of 94%. Imports peaked at $X in 2018; however, from 2019 to 2021, imports stood at a somewhat lower figure.

Imports by Country

In 2021, Peru (X tons) constituted the largest supplier of molybdenum ore to the United States, accounting for a 65% share of total imports. Moreover, molybdenum ore imports from Peru exceeded the figures recorded by the second-largest supplier, Mexico (X tons), fourfold. The third position in this ranking was taken by Chile (X tons), with a 9.4% share.

From 2012 to 2021, the average annual growth rate of volume from Peru totaled +19.6%. The remaining supplying countries recorded the following average annual rates of imports growth: Mexico (-3.3% per year) and Chile (-7.2% per year).

In value terms, Peru ($X) constituted the largest supplier of molybdenum ore to the United States, comprising 63% of total imports. The second position in the ranking was held by Mexico ($X), with a 20% share of total imports. It was followed by Chile, with a 9.3% share.

From 2012 to 2021, the average annual growth rate of value from Peru stood at +13.1%. The remaining supplying countries recorded the following average annual rates of imports growth: Mexico (+7.0% per year) and Chile (-7.6% per year).

Import Prices by Country

The average molybdenum ore import price stood at $X per ton in 2021, picking up by 51% against the previous year. In general, the import price showed slight growth. Over the period under review, average import prices reached the peak figure at $X per ton in 2018; however, from 2019 to 2021, import prices stood at a somewhat lower figure.

Average prices varied noticeably amongst the major supplying countries. In 2021, the highest price was recorded for prices from Mexico ($X per ton) and Chile ($X per ton), while the price for Canada ($X per ton) and Peru ($X per ton) were amongst the lowest.

From 2012 to 2021, the most notable rate of growth in terms of prices was attained by Mexico (+10.7%), while the prices for the other major suppliers experienced mixed trend patterns.

Source: IndexBox Platform

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