Global molybdenum production rises while use falls in Q2 2025

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01/10/2025

Figures released by the International Molybdenum Association (IMOA) show that global production of molybdenum rose by 3% to 166.1 mlbs in Q2 2025 compared to the previous quarter, a 4% rise when compared to the same quarter of the previous year.

Global usage of molybdenum in Q2 2025 fell by 4% to 164.5 mlbs, although this represented a 2% rise when compared to the same quarter of the previous year.

China remained the largest producer of molybdenum at 75.7 mlbs - a 3% rise when compared to the previous quarter, although a 0% rise when compared to the same quarter of the previous year. South America remained the second largest producer of molybdenum at 43.5 mlbs - a 2% rise on the previous quarter and 3% rise when compared to the same quarter of the previous year. Production in North America rose 3% to 33.3 mlbs when compared to the previous quarter, however, this represented a 21% rise when compared to the same quarter of the previous year. Production in Other Regions remained the same as Q2 2024 at 13.6 mlbs, but this represented a 2% rise when compared to Q1 2025.

China remained the largest user of molybdenum at 82.1 mlbs - a fall of 3% when compared to the previous quarter but a 15% rise when compared to the same quarter of the previous year. Europe remained the second largest user molybdenum at 30.3 mlbs - a rise of 6% compared to the previous quarter but a fall of 8% when compared to the same quarter of the previous year. Usage in Other Regions fell 8% to 21.1 mlbs when compared to the previous quarter - a 7% fall when compared to the same quarter of the previous year. USA saw the largest fall in usage, 15%, to 15.2 mlbs when compared to the previous quarter - a fall of 8% when compared to Q2 2024. Japan also saw a reduction in usage, 9%, to 10.5 mlbs when compared to the previous quarter - an 8% fall when compared to the same quarter of the previous year. Usage in CIS rose 10% to 5.1 mlbs, but this represented a fall of 7% when compared to the same quarter of the previous year.

General information for media

• IMOA's Annual Review offers more information on IMOA's work and achievements
• IMOA is a non profit trade association, representing the majority of the molybdenum industry worldwide. It works to raise awareness about the unique properties of molybdenum, its beneficial effects on materials performance, its safety in use and its contribution to sustainable development.
• Molybdenum is added to alloy steels to improve strength, toughness, hardenability and weldability for numerous applications in the automotive, shipbuilding, construction, mining, chemical, oil & gas and energy generation industries. In stainless steels and superalloys, it improves corrosion resistance and high-temperature performance and finds uses in many industrial applications. It is also used in a variety of products from catalysts and lubricants to pigments and paint.
• IMOA has a strict antitrust compliance policy which delegates of all meetings are required to observe. All such meetings are observed by legal counsel.
• For more information please email the communications team at [email protected].
• For up-to-date information please follow IMOA on LinkedIn.

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